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The Code of Federal Regulations is a codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government. The Code is divided into 50 titles which represent broad areas subject to Federal regulation. Each title is divided into chapters which usually bear the name of the issuing agency. Each chapter is further subdivided into parts covering specific regulatory areas.
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Title 27—
For this volume, Michele Bugenhagen was Chief Editor. The Code of Federal Regulations publication program is under the direction of Michael L. White, assisted by Ann Worley.
(This book contains part 400 to End)
ATF =
TD =
TTB =
22 U.S.C. 2778.
Nomenclature changes to part 447 appear at 68 FR 3748, Jan. 24, 2003.
The regulations in this part relate to that portion of Section 38, Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as amended, which is concerned with the importation of arms, ammunition and implements of war. This part contains the U.S. Munitions Import List and includes procedural and administrative requirements and provisions relating to registration of importers, permits, articles in transit, import certification, delivery verification, import restrictions applicable to certain countries, exemptions, U.S. military firearms or ammunition, penalties, seizures, and forfeitures. All designations and changes in designation of articles subject to import control under Section 414 of the Mutual Security Act of 1954, as amended, have the concurrence of the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense.
(a) All of those items on the U.S. Munitions Import List (see § 447.21) which are “firearms” or “ammunition” as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a) are subject to the interstate and foreign commerce controls contained in Chapter 44 of Title 18 U.S.C. and 27 CFR Part 478 and if they are “firearms” within the definition set out in 26 U.S.C. 5845(a) are
(b) The permit procedures of subpart E of this part are applicable to all importations of articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List not subject to controls under 27 CFR Part 478 or 479. U.S. Munitions Import List articles subject to controls under 27 CFR Part 478 or 27 CFR Part 479 are subject to the import permit procedures of those regulations if imported into the United States (within the meaning of 27 CFR Parts 478 and 479).
(c) Articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List imported for the United States or any State or political subdivision thereof are exempt from the import controls of 27 CFR Part 478 but are not exempt from control under Section 38, Arms Export Control Act of 1976, unless imported by the United States or any agency thereof. All such importations not imported by the United States or any agency thereof shall be subject to the import permit procedures of subpart E of this part.
(d) For provisions requiring the registration of persons engaged in the business of brokering activities with respect to the importation of any defense article or defense service, see Department of State regulations in 22 CFR part 129.
When used in this part and in forms prescribed under this part, where not otherwise distinctly expressed or manifestly incompatible with the intent thereof, terms shall have the meanings ascribed in this section. Words in the plural form shall include the singular, and vice versa, and words imparting the masculine gender shall include the feminine. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude other things not enumerated which are in the same general class or are otherwise within the scope thereof.
(b) The furnishing to foreign persons of any technical data, whether in the United States or abroad.
The U.S. Munitions List compiled by the Department of State, Office of Defense Trade Controls, and published at 22 CFR 121.1, with the deletions indicated, has been adopted as an enumeration of the defense articles subject to controls under this part. The expurgated list, set out below, shall, for the purposes of this part, be known as the U.S. Munitions Import List:
(a) Nonautomatic and semiautomatic firearms, to caliber .50 inclusive, combat shotguns, and shotguns with barrels less than 18 inches in length, and all components and parts for such firearms.
(b) Automatic firearms and all components and parts for such firearms to caliber .50 inclusive.
(c) Insurgency-counterinsurgency type firearms of other weapons having a special military application (e.g. close assault weapons systems) regardless of caliber and all components and parts for such firearms.
(d) Firearms silencers and suppressors, including flash suppressors.
(e) Riflescopes manufactured to military specifications and specifically designed or modified components therefor.
Rifles, carbines, revolvers, and pistols, to caliber .50 inclusive, combat shotguns, and shotguns with barrels less than 18 inches in length are included under Category I(a). Machineguns, submachineguns, machine pistols and fully automatic rifles to caliber .50 inclusive are included under Category I(b).
(a) Guns over caliber .50, howitzers, mortars, and recoiless rifles.
(b) Military flamethrowers and projectors.
(c) Components, parts, accessories, and attachments for the articles in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this category, including but not limited to mounts and carriages for these articles.
(a) Ammunition for the arms in Categories I and II of this section.
(b) Components, parts, accessories, and attachments for articles in paragraph (a) of this category, including but not limited to cartridge cases, powder bags, bullets, jackets, cores, shells (excluding shotgun shells), projectiles, boosters, fuzes and components therefor, primers, and other detonating devices for such ammunition.
(c) Ammunition belting and linking machines.
(d) Ammunition manufacturing machines and ammunition loading machines (except handloading ones).
Cartridge and shell casings are included under Category III unless, prior to their importation, they have been rendered useless beyond the possibility of restoration for use as a cartridge or shell casing by means of heating, flame treatment, mangling, crushing, cutting, or popping.
(a) Rockets (including but not limited to meteorological and other sounding rockets), bombs, grenades, torpedoes, depth charges, land and naval mines, as well as launchers for such defense articles, and demolition blocks and blasting caps.
(b) Launch vehicles and missile and anti-missile systems including but not limited to guided, tactical and strategic missiles, launchers, and systems.
(c) Apparatus, devices, and materials for the handling, control, activation, monitoring, detection, protection, discharge, or detonation of the articles in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this category. Articles in this category include, but are not limited to, the following: Fuses and components for the items in this category, bomb racks and shackles, bomb shackle release units, bomb ejectors, torpedo tubes, torpedo and guided missile boosters, guidance system equipment and parts, launching racks and projectors, pistols (exploders), igniters, fuze arming devices, intervalometers, guided missile launchers and specialized handling equipment, and hardened missile launching facilities.
(d) Missile and space vehicle powerplants.
(e) Military explosive excavating devices.
(f) Ablative materials fabricated or semifabricated from advanced composites (
(g) Non/nuclear warheads for rockets and guided missiles.
(h) All specifically designed components or modified components, parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment for the articles in this category.
Military demolition blocks and blasting caps referred to in Category IV(a) do not include the following articles:
(a) Electric squibs.
(b) No. 6 and No. 8 blasting caps, including electric ones.
(c) Delay electric blasting caps (including No. 6 and No. 8 millisecond ones).
(d) Seismograph electric blasting caps (including SSS, Static-Master, Vibrocap SR, and SEISMO SR).
(e) Oil well perforating devices.
Category V of “Munitions List” deleted as inapplicable to imports.
(a) Warships, amphibious warfare vessels, landing craft, mine warfare vessels, patrol vessels, auxiliary vessels and service craft, experimental types of naval ships and any vessels specifically designed or modified for military purposes.
(b) Turrets and gun mounts, arresting gear, special weapons systems, protective systems, submarine storage batteries, catapults and other components, parts, attachments, and accessories specifically designed or modified for combatant vessels.
(c) Mine sweeping equipment, components, parts, attachments and accessories specifically designed or modified therefor.
(d) Harbor entrance detection devices (magnetic, pressure, and acoustic ones) and controls and components therefor.
(e) Naval nuclear propulsion plants, their land prototypes and special facilities for their construction, support and maintenance. This includes any machinery, device, component, or equipment specifically developed or designed or modified for use in such plants or facilities.
The term “vessels of war” includes, but is not limited to the following:
(a) Combatant vessels:
(1) Warships (including nuclear-powered versions):
(i) Aircraft carriers (CV, CVN)
(ii) Battleships (BB)
(iii) Cruisers (CA, CG, CGN)
(iv) Destroyers (DD, DDG)
(v) Frigates (FF, FFG)
(vi) Submarines (SS, SSN, SSBN, SSG, SSAG).
(2) Other Combatant Classifications:
(i) Patrol Combatants (PC, PHM)
(ii) Amphibious Helicopter/Landing Craft Carriers (LHA, LPD, LPH)
(iii) Amphibious Landing Craft Carriers (LKA, LPA, LSD, LST)
(iv) Amphibious Command Ships (LCC)
(v) Mine Warfare Ships (MSO).
(b) Auxiliaries:
(1) Mobile Logistics Support:
(i) Under way Replenishment (AD, AF, AFS, AO, AOE, AOR)
(ii) Material Support (AD, AR, AS).
(2) Support Ships:
(i) Fleet Support Ships (ARS, ASR, ATA, ATF, ATS)
(ii) Other Auxiliaries (AG, AGDS, AGF, AGM, AGOR, AGOS, AGS, AH, AK, AKR, AOG, AOT, AP, APB, ARC, ARL, AVM, AVT).
(c) Combatant Craft:
(1) Patrol Craft:
(i) Coastal Patrol Combatants (PB, PCF, PCH, PTF)
(ii) River, Roadstead Craft (ATC, PBR).
(2) Amphibious Warfare Craft:
(i) Landing Craft (AALC, LCAC, LCM, LCPL, LCPR, LCU, LWT, SLWT)
(ii) Special Warfare Craft (LSSC, MSSC, SDV, SWCL, SWCM).
(3) Mine Warfare Craft:
(i) Mine Countermeasures Craft (MSB, MSD, MSI, MSM, MSR).
(d) Support and Service Craft:
(1) Tugs (YTB, YTL, YTM)
(2) Tankers (YO, YOG, YW)
(3) Lighters (YC, YCF, YCV, YF, YFN, YFNB, YFNX, YFR, YFRN, YFU, YG, YGN, YOGN, YON, YOS, YSR, YWN)
(4) Floating Dry Docks (AFDB, AFDL, AFDM, ARD, ARDM, YFD)
(5) Miscellaneous (APL, DSRV, DSV, IX, NR, YAG, YD, YDT, YFB, YFND, YEP, YFRT, YHLC, YM, YNG, YP, YPD, YR, YRB, YRBN, YRDH, YRDM, YRR, YRST, YSD).
(e) Coast Guard Patrol and Service Vessels and Craft:
(1) Coast Guard Cutters (CGC, WHEC, WMEC)
(2) Patrol Craft (WPB)
(3) Icebreakers (WAGB)
(4) Oceanography Vessels (WAGO)
(5) Special Vessels (WIX)
(6) Buoy Tenders (WLB, WLM, WLI, WLR, WLIC)
(7) Tugs (WYTM, WYTL)
(8) Light Ships (WLV).
(a) Military type armed or armored vehicles, military railway trains, and vehicles specifically designed or modified to accommodate mountings for arms or other specialized military equipment or fitted with such items.
(b) Military tanks, combat engineer vehicles, bridge launching vehicles, halftracks and gun carriers.
(c) Self-propelled guns and howitzers.
Category VII (d) and (e) of “Munitions List” deleted as inapplicable to imports.
(f) Amphibious vehicles.
(g) Engines specifically designed or modified for the vehicles in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (f) of this category.
(h) All specifically designed or modified components and parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment for the articles in this category, including but not limited to military bridging and deep water fording kits.
An “amphibious vehicle” in Category VII(f) is an automotive vehicle or chassis which embodies all-wheel drive, which is equipped to meet special military requirements, and which has sealed electrical systems and adaptation features for deep water fording.
(a) Aircraft, including but not limited to helicopters, non-expansive balloons, drones and lighter-than-air aircraft, which are specifically designed, modified, or equipped for military purposes. This includes but is not limited to the following military purposes: gunnery, bombing, rocket or missile launching, electronic and other surveillance, reconnaissance, refueling, aerial mapping, military liaison, cargo carrying or dropping, personnel dropping, airborne warning and control, and military training.
Category VIII (b) through (j) and Categories IX, X, XI, XII and XIII of “Munitions List” deleted as inapplicable to imports.
In Category VIII, “aircraft” means aircraft designed, modified, or equipped for a military purpose, including aircraft described as “demilitarized.” All aircraft bearing an original military designation are included in Category VIII. However, the following aircraft are not so included so long as they have not been specifically equipped, reequipped, or modified for military operations:
(a) Cargo aircraft bearing “C” designations and numbered C-45 through C-118 inclusive, and C-121 through C-125 inclusive, and C-131, using reciprocating engines only.
(b) Trainer aircraft bearing “T” designations and using reciprocating engines or turboprop engines with less than 600 horsepower (s.h.p.).
(c) Utility aircraft bearing “U” designations and using reciprocating engines only.
(d) All liaison aircraft bearing an “L” designation.
(e) All observation aircraft bearing “O” designations and using reciprocating engines.
(a) Chemical agents, including but not limited to lung irritants, vesicants, lachrymators, and tear gases (except tear gas formulations containing 1% or less CN or CS), sternutators and irritant smoke, and nerve gases and incapacitating agents.
(b) Biological agents.
(c) Equipment for dissemination, detection, and identification of, and defense against, the articles in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this category.
(d) Nuclear radiation detection and measuring devices manufactured to military specification.
(e) Components, parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment specifically designed or modified for the articles in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this category.
A chemical agent in Category XIV(a) is a substance having military application which by its ordinary and direct chemical action produces a powerful physiological effect. The term “chemical agent” includes, but is not limited to, the following chemical compounds:
(a) Lung irritants:
(1) Diphenylcyanoarsine (DC).
(2) Fluorine (but not fluorene).
(3) Trichloronitro methane (chloropicrin PS).
(b) Vesicants:
(1) B-Chlorovinyldichloroarsine (Lewisite, L).
(2) Bis(dichlorethyl) sulphide (Mustard Gas, HD or H).
(3) Ethyldichloroarsine (ED).
(4) Methyldichloroarsine (MD).
(c) Lachrymators and tear gases:
(1) A-Brombenzyl cyanide (BBC).
(2) Chloroacetophenone (CN).
(3) Dibromodimethyl ether.
(4) Dichlorodimethyl ether (ClCi).
(5) Ethyldibromoarsine.
(6) Phenylcarbylamine chloride.
(7) Tear gas solutions (CNB and CNS).
(8) Tear gas orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS).
(d) Sternutators and irritant smokes:
(1) Diphenylamine chloroarsine (Adamsite, DM).
(2) Diphenylchloroarsine (BA).
(3) Liquid pepper.
(e) Nerve agents, gases, and aerosols. These are toxic compounds which affect the nervous system, such as:
(1) Dimethylaminoethoxycyanophosphine oxide (GA).
(2) Methylisopropoxyfluorophosphine oxide (GB).
(3) Methylpinacolyloxyfluoriphosphine oxide (GD).
(f) Antiplant chemicals, such as: Butyl 2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxyacetate (LNF).
(a) Any article, material, equipment, or device, which is specifically designed or modified for use in the design, development, or fabrication of nuclear weapons or nuclear explosive devices.
(b) Any article, material, equipment, or device, which is specifically designed or modified for use in the devising, carrying out, or evaluating of nuclear weapons tests or any other nuclear explosions, except such items as are in normal commercial use for other purposes.
Categories XVII, XVIII, and XIX of “Munitions List” deleted as inapplicable to imports.
(a) Submersible vessels, manned and unmanned, designed or modified for military purposes or having independent capability to maneuver vertically or horizontally at depths below 1,000 feet, or powered by nuclear propulsion plants.
(b) Submersible vessels, manned or unmanned, designed or modified in whole or in part from technology developed by or for the U.S. Armed Forces.
(c) Any of the articles in Category VI and elsewhere in this part specifically designed or modified for use with submersible vessels, and oceanographic or associated equipment assigned a military designation.
(d) Equipment, components, parts, accessories, and attachments specifically designed for any of the articles in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this category.
Any article not specifically enumerated in the other categories of the U.S. Munitions List which has substantial military applicability and which has been specifically designed or modified for military purposes. The decision on whether any article may be included in this category shall be made by the Director, Office of Defense Trade Controls,
Articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List include articles in a partially completed state (such as forgings, castings, extrusions, and machined bodies) which have reached a stage in manufacture where they are clearly identifiable as defense articles. If the end-item is an article on the U.S. Munitions Import List, (including components, accessories, attachments and parts) then the particular forging, casting, extrusion, machined body, etc., is considered a defense article subject to the controls of this part, except for such items as are in normal commercial use.
Persons engaged in the business, in the United States, of importing articles enumerated on the U.S. Munitions Import List must register by making an application on ATF Form 4587.
(a) Application for registration must be filed on ATF Form 4587 and must be accompanied by the registration fee at the rate prescribed in this section. The appropriate ATF officer will approve the application and return the original to the applicant.
(b) Registration may be effected for periods of from 1 to 5 years at the option of the registrant by identifying on Form 4587 the period of registration desired. The registration fees are as follows:
(c) Fees paid in advance for whole future years of a multiple year registration will be refunded upon request if the registrant ceases to engage in importing articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List. A request for a refund must be submitted to the appropriate ATF officer at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Martinsburg, WV 25405, prior to the beginning of any year for which a refund is claimed.
Registered persons shall notify the appropriate ATF officer in writing, in duplicate, of significant changes in the information set forth in their registration
(a) Registrants under this part engaged in the business of importing articles subject to controls under 27 CFR Parts 478 and 479 shall maintain records in accordance with the applicable provisions of those parts.
(b) Registrants under this part engaged in importing articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List subject to the permit procedures of subpart E of this part must maintain for a period of 6 years records bearing on such articles imported, including records concerning their acquisition and disposition, including Forms 6 and 6A. The appropriate ATF officer may prescribe a longer or shorter period in individual cases as such officer deems necessary. See § 478.129 of this chapter for articles
(a) The appropriate ATF officer is authorized to prescribe all forms required by this part. All of the information called for in each form shall be furnished as indicated by the headings on the form and the instructions on or pertaining to the form. In addition, information called for in each form shall be furnished as required by this part. The form will be filed in accordance with the instructions for the form.
(b) Forms may be requested from the ATF Distribution Center, P.O. Box 5950, Springfield, Virginia 22150-5950, or by accessing the ATF Web site
(a) Articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List will not be imported into the United States except pursuant to a permit under this subpart. For articles subject to control under parts 478 or 479 of this chapter, a separate permit is not necessary.
(b) Articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List intended for the United States or any State or political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia, which are exempt from import controls of 27 CFR 478.115 shall not be imported into the United States, except by the United States or agency thereof, without first obtaining a permit under this subpart.
(c) A permit is not required for the importation of—
(1)(i) The U.S. Munitions Import List articles from Canada, except articles enumerated in Categories I, II, III, IV, VI(e), VIII(a), XVI, and XX; and
(ii) Nuclear weapons strategic delivery systems and all specifically designed components, parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment thereof (see Category XXI); or
(2) Minor components and parts for Category I(a) and I(b) firearms, except barrels, cylinders, receivers (frames) or complete breech mechanisms, when the total value does not exceed $100 wholesale in any single transaction.
(a)(1) Persons required to obtain a permit as provided in § 447.41 must file a Form 6—Part I. The application must be signed and dated and must contain the information requested on the form, including:
(i) The name, address, telephone number, license and registration number, if any (including expiration date) of the importer;
(ii) The country from which the defense article is to be imported;
(iii) The name and address of the foreign seller and foreign shipper;
(iv) A description of the defense article to be imported, including—
(A) The name and address of the manufacturer;
(B) The type (e.g., rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver, aircraft, vessel, and in the case of ammunition only, ball, wadcutter, shot, etc.);
(C) The caliber, gauge, or size;
(D) The model;
(E) The length of barrel, if any (in inches);
(F) The overall length, if a firearm (in inches);
(G) The serial number, if known;
(H) Whether the defense article is new or used;
(I) The quantity;
(J) The unit cost of the firearm, firearm barrel, ammunition, or other defense article to be imported;
(K) The category of U.S. Munitions Import List under which the article is regulated;
(v) The specific purpose of importation, including final recipient information if different from the importer; and
(vi) Certification of origin.
(2)(i) If the appropriate ATF officer approves the application, such approved application will serve as the permit to import the defense article described therein, and importation of such defense article may continue to be made by the licensed/registered importer (if applicable) under the approved application (permit) during the period specified thereon. The appropriate ATF officer will furnish the approved application (permit) to the applicant and retain two copies thereof for administrative use.
(ii) If the Director disapproves the application, the licensed/registered importer (if applicable) will be notified of the basis for the disapproval.
(b) For additional requirements relating to the importation of plastic explosives into the United States on or after April 24, 1997, see § 555.183 of this title.
(a) Import permits issued under this subpart are valid for one year from their issuance date unless a different period of validity is stated thereon. They are not transferable.
(b) If shipment cannot be completed during the period of validity of the permit, another application must be submitted for permit to cover the unshipped balance. Such an application shall make reference to the previous permit and may include materials in addition to the unshipped balance.
(c) No amendments or alteration of a permit may be made, except by the appropriate ATF officer.
(a) Import permits under this subpart may be denied, revoked, suspended or revised without prior notice whenever the appropriate ATF officer finds the proposed importation to be inconsistent with the purpose or in violation of section 38, Arms Export Control Act of 1976 or the regulations in this part.
(b) Whenever, after appropriate consideration, a permit application is denied or an outstanding permit is revoked, suspended, or revised, the applicant or permittee shall be promptly advised in writing of the appropriate ATF officer's decision and the reasons therefor.
(c) Upon written request made within 30 days after receipt of an adverse decision, the applicant or permittee shall be accorded an opportunity to present additional information and to have a full review of his case by the appropriate ATF officer.
(d) Unused, expired, suspended, or revoked permits must be returned immediately to the appropriate ATF officer.
(a) Articles subject to the import permit procedures of this subpart imported into the United States may be released from Customs custody to the person authorized to import same upon his showing that he has a permit for the importation of the article or articles to be released. For articles in Categories I and III imported by a registered importer, the importer will also submit to Customs a copy of the export license authorizing the export of the article or articles from the exporting country. If the exporting country does not require issuance of an export license, the importer must submit a certification, under penalty of perjury, to that effect.
(1) In obtaining the release from Customs custody of an article imported pursuant to a permit, the permit holder will prepare and file Form 6A according to its instructions.
(2) The ATF Form 6A must contain the information requested on the form, including:
(i) The name, address, and license number (if any) of the importer;
(ii) The name of the manufacturer of the defense article;
(iii) The country of manufacture;
(iv) The type;
(v) The model;
(vi) The caliber, gauge, or size;
(vii) The serial number in the case of firearms, if known; and
(viii) The number of defense articles released.
(b) Within 15 days of the date of their release from Customs custody, the importer of the articles released will forward to the address specified on the form a copy of Form 6A on which will be reported any error or discrepancy appearing on the Form 6A certified by Customs and serial numbers if not previously provided on ATF Form 6A.
Articles subject to the import permit procedures of this subpart which enter the United States for temporary deposit pending removal therefrom and such articles which are temporarily taken out of the United States for return thereto shall be regarded as in transit and will be considered neither imported nor exported under this part. Such transactions are subject to the Intransit or Temporary Export License procedures of the Department of State (see 22 CFR Part 123).
Pursuant to agreement with the United States, certain foreign countries are entitled to request certification of legality of importation of articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List. Upon request of a foreign government, the appropriate ATF officer will certify the importation, on Form ITA-645P/ATF-4522/DSP53, for the U.S. importer. Normally, the U.S. importer will submit this form at the time he applies for an import permit. This document will serve as evidence to the government of the exporting company that the U.S. importer has complied with import regulations of the U.S. Government and is prohibited from diverting, transshipping, or reexporting the material described therein without the approval of the U.S. Government. Foreign governments may also require documentation attesting to the delivery of the material into the United States. When such delivery certification is requested by a foreign government, the U.S. importer may obtain directly from the U.S. District Director of Customs the authenticated Delivery Verification Certificate (U.S. Department of Commerce Form ITA-647P) for this purpose.
(a) It is the policy of the United States to deny licenses and other approvals with respect to defense articles and defense services originating in certain countries or areas. This policy applies to Afghanistan, Belarus (one of the states composing the former Soviet Union), Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mongolia, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and Vietnam. This policy applies to countries or areas with respect to which the United States maintains an arms embargo (e.g., Burma, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Liberia, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, and UNITA (Angola)). It also applies when an import would not be in furtherance of world peace and the security and foreign policy of the United States.
Changes in foreign policy may result in additions to and deletions from the above list of countries. The ATF will publish changes to this list in the
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, the appropriate ATF officer shall deny applications to import into the United States the following firearms and ammunition:
(1) Any firearm located or manufactured in Georgia, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, or Uzbekistan, and any firearm previously manufactured in the Soviet Union, that is not one of the models listed below:
(i) Pistols/Revolvers:
(A) German Model P08 Pistol.
(B) IZH 34M, .22 caliber Target Pistol.
(C) IZH 35M, .22 caliber Target Pistol.
(D) Mauser Model 1896 Pistol.
(E) MC-57-1 Pistol.
(F) MC-1-5 Pistol.
(G) Polish Vis Model 35 Pistol.
(H) Soviet Nagant Revolver.
(I) TOZ 35, .22 caliber Target Pistol.
(ii) Rifles:
(A) BARS-4 Bolt Action Carbine.
(B) Biathlon Target Rifle, .22LR caliber.
(C) British Enfield Rifle.
(D) CM2, .22 caliber Target Rifle (also known as SM2, 22 caliber).
(E) German Model 98K Rifle.
(F) German Model G41 Rifle.
(G) German Model G43 Rifle.
(H) IZH-94.
(I) LOS-7 Bolt Action Rifle.
(J) MC-7-07.
(K) MC-18-3.
(L) MC-19-07.
(M) MC-105-01.
(N) MC-112-02.
(O) MC-113-02.
(P) MC-115-1.
(Q) MC-125/127.
(R) MC-126.
(S) MC-128.
(T) Saiga Rifle.
(U) Soviet Model 38 Carbine.
(V) Soviet Model 44 Carbine.
(W) Soviet Model 91/30 Rifle.
(X) TOZ 18, .22 caliber Bolt Action Rifle.
(Y) TOZ 55.
(Z) TOZ 78.
(AA) Ural Target Rifle, .22LR caliber.
(BB) VEPR Rifle.
(CC) Winchester Model 1895, Russian Model Rifle;
(2) Ammunition located or manufactured in Georgia, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, or Uzbekistan, and ammunition previously manufactured in the Soviet Union, that is 7.62×25mm caliber (also known as 7.63×25mm caliber or .30 Mauser); or
(3) A type of firearm the manufacture of which began after February 9, 1996.
(c) The provisions of paragraph (b) of this section shall not affect the fulfillment of contracts with respect to firearms or ammunition entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption in the United States on or before February 9, 1996.
(d) A defense article authorized for importation under this part may not be shipped on a vessel, aircraft or other means or conveyance which is owned or operated by, or leased to or from, any of the countries or areas covered by paragraph (a) of this section.
(e) Applications for permits to import articles that were manufactured in, or have been in, a country or area proscribed under this section may be approved where the articles are covered by Category I(a) of the Import List (other than those subject to the provisions of 27 CFR Part 479), are importable as curios or relics under the provisions of 27 CFR 478.118, and meet the following criteria:
(1) The articles were manufactured in a proscribed country or area prior to the date, as established by the Department of State, the country or area became proscribed, or, were manufactured in a non-proscribed country or area; and
(2) The articles have been stored for the five year period immediately prior to importation in a non-proscribed country or area.
(f) Applicants desiring to import articles claimed to meet the criteria specified in paragraph (e) of this section shall explain, and certify to, how the firearms meet the criteria. The certification statement will be prepared in letter form, executed under the penalties of perjury, and should be submitted with the application for an import permit. The certification statement must be accompanied by documentary information on the country or area of original manufacture and on the country or area of storage for the
(a) The provisions of this part are not applicable to:
(1) Importations by the United States or any agency thereof;
(2) Importation of components for items being manufactured under contract for the Department of Defense; or
(3) Importation of articles (other than those which would be “firearms” as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3) manufactured in foreign countries for persons in the United States pursuant to Department of State approval.
(b) Any person seeking to import articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List as exempt under paragraph (a)(2) or (3) of this section may obtain release of such articles from Customs custody by submitting, to the Customs officer with authority to release, a statement claiming the exemption accompanied by satisfactory proof of eligibility. Such proof may be in the form of a letter from the Department of Defense or State, as the case may be, confirming that the conditions of the exemption are met.
The functions conferred under section 38, Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as amended, are excluded from the operation of Chapter 5, Title 5, United States Code, with respect to Rule Making and Adjudication, 5 U.S.C. 553 and 554.
The administration of the provisions of this part will be subject to the guidance of the Secretaries of State and Defense on matters affecting world peace and the external security and foreign policy of the United States.
(a) Officers of the U.S. Customs Service are authorized to take appropriate action to assure compliance with this part and with 27 CFR Parts 478 and 479 as to the importation or attempted importation of articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List, whether or not authorized by permit.
(b) Upon the presentation to him of a permit or written approval authorizing importation of articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List, the Customs officer who has authority to release same may require, in addition to such documents as may be required by Customs regulations, the production of other relevant documents relating to the proposed importation, including, but not limited to, invoices, orders, packing lists, shipping documents, correspondence, and instructions.
(a)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part or of parts 478 or 479
(2) The restrictions in paragraph (a)(1) of this section cover defense articles which are advanced in value or improved in condition in a foreign country, but do not include those which have been substantially transformed as to become, in effect, articles of foreign manufacture.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section will not apply if:
(1) The applicant submits with the ATF Form 6—Part I application written authorization from the Department of State to import the defense article; and
(2) In the case of firearms, such firearms are curios or relics under 18 U.S.C. 925(e) and the person seeking to import such firearms provides a certification of a foreign government that the firearms were furnished to such government under a foreign assistance or foreign military sales program of the United States and that the firearms are owned by such foreign government. (See § 478.118 of this chapter providing for the importation of certain curio or relic handguns, rifles and shotguns.)
(c) For the purpose of this section, the term “military defense article” includes all defense articles furnished to foreign governments under a foreign assistance or foreign military sales program of the United States as set forth in paragraph (a) of this section.
The regulatory authorities of the Director contained in this part are delegated to appropriate ATF officers. These ATF officers are specified in ATF O 1130.34, Delegation of the Director's Authorities in 27 CFR Part 447. ATF delegation orders, such as ATF O 1130.34, are available to any interested party by mailing a request to the ATF Distribution Center, PO Box 5950, Springfield, VA 22150-5950, or by accessing the ATF Web site
Any person who willfully:
(a) Imports articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List without a permit;
(b) Engages in the business of importing articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List without registering under this part; or
(c) Otherwise violates any provisions of this part;
Any person who willfully, in a registration or permit application, makes any untrue statement of a material fact or fails to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, shall upon conviction be fined not more than $1,000,000, or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
Whoever knowingly imports into the United States contrary to law any article on the U.S. Munitions Import List; or receives, conceals, buys, sells, or in any manner facilitates its transportation, concealment, or sale after importation, knowing the same to have been imported contrary to law, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both;
5 U.S.C. 552(a); 18 U.S.C. 847, 921-930; 44 U.S.C. 3504(h).
Nomenclature changes to part 478 appear by T.D. ATF-411, 64 FR 17291, Apr. 9, 1999, and T.D. ATF-487, 68 FR 3750, Jan. 24, 2003, and ATF-11F, 73 FR 57240-57242, Oct. 2, 2008.
(a)
(b)
(1) The interstate or foreign commerce in firearms and ammunition;
(2) The licensing of manufacturers and importers of firearms and ammunition, collectors of firearms, and dealers in firearms;
(3) The conduct of business or activity by licensees;
(4) The importation of firearms and ammunition;
(5) The records and reports required of licensees;
(6) Relief from disabilities under this part;
(7) Exempt interstate and foreign commerce in firearms and ammunition; and
(8) Restrictions on armor piercing ammunition.
The provisions in this part are in addition to, and are not in lieu of, any other provision of law, or regulations, respecting commerce in firearms or ammunition. For regulations applicable to traffic in machine guns, destructive devices, and certain other firearms, see Part 479 of this chapter. For statutes applicable to the registration and licensing of persons engaged in the business of manufacturing, importing or exporting arms, ammunition, or implements of war, see section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778) and regulations thereunder and Part 447 of this chapter. For statutes applicable to nonmailable firearms, see 18 U.S.C. 1715 and regulations thereunder.
When used in this part and in forms prescribed under this part, where not otherwise distinctly expressed or manifestly incompatible with the intent thereof, terms shall have the meanings ascribed in this section. Words in the plural form shall include the singular, and vice versa, and words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude other things not enumerated which are in the same general class or are otherwise within the scope thereof.
(1) Is a danger to himself or to others; or
(2) Lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage his own affairs.
(b) The term shall include—
(1) A finding of insanity by a court in a criminal case; and
(2) Those persons found incompetent to stand trial or found not guilty by reason of lack of mental responsibility pursuant to articles 50a and 72b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. 850a, 876b.
(b) Is entering the United States to display firearms at a sports or hunting trade show sponsored by a national, State, or local firearms trade organization, devoted to the competitive use or other sporting use of firearms.
(a) Who unlawfully entered the United States without inspection and authorization by an immigration officer and who has not been paroled into the United States under section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA);
(b) Who is a nonimmigrant and whose authorized period of stay has expired or who has violated the terms of the nonimmigrant category in which he or she was admitted;
(c) Paroled under INA section 212(d)(5) whose authorized period of parole has expired or whose parole status has been terminated; or
(d) Under an order of deportation, exclusion, or removal, or under an order to depart the United States voluntarily, whether or not he or she has left the United States.
(a) Firearms which were manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date, but not including replicas thereof;
(b) Firearms which are certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or Federal museum which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest; and
(c) Any other firearms which derive a substantial part of their monetary value from the fact that they are novel, rare, bizarre, or because of their association with some historical figure, period, or event. Proof of qualification of a particular firearm under this category may be established by evidence of present value and evidence that like firearms are not available except as collector's items, or that the value of like firearms available in ordinary commercial channels is substantially less.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
“I declare under the penalties of perjury that this—(insert type of document, such as, statement, application, request, certificate), including the documents submitted in support thereof, has been examined by me and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, is true, correct, and complete.”
(b) Any combination of parts from which a firearm described in paragraph (a) can be assembled.
(1) Is a misdemeanor under Federal or State law or, in States which do not classify offenses as misdemeanors, is an offense punishable by imprisonment for a term of one year or less, and includes offenses that are punishable only by a fine. (This is true whether or not the State statute specifically defines the offense as a “misdemeanor” or as a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.” The term includes all such misdemeanor convictions in Indian Courts established pursuant to 25 CFR part 11.);
(2) Has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force (e.g., assault and battery), or the threatened use of a deadly weapon; and
(3) Was committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, (e.g., the equivalent of a “common law” marriage even if such relationship is not recognized under the law), or a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim (e.g., two persons who are residing at the same location in an intimate relationship with the intent to make that place their home would be similarly situated to a spouse).
(b) A person shall not be considered to have been convicted of such an offense for purposes of this part unless:
(1) The person is considered to have been convicted by the jurisdiction in which the proceedings were held.
(2) The person was represented by counsel in the case, or knowingly and intelligently waived the right to counsel in the case; and
(3) In the case of a prosecution for which a person was entitled to a jury trial in the jurisdiction in which the case was tried, either
(i) The case was tried by a jury, or
(ii) The person knowingly and intelligently waived the right to have the case tried by a jury, by guilty plea or otherwise.
(c) A person shall not be considered to have been convicted of such an offense for purposes of this part if the conviction has been expunged or set aside, or is an offense for which the person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored (if the law of the jurisdiction in which the proceedings were held provides for the loss of civil rights upon conviction for such an offense) unless the pardon, expunction, or restoration of civil rights expressly provides that the person may not ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms, and the person is not otherwise prohibited by the law of the jurisdiction in which the proceedings were held from receiving or possessing any firearms.
(a) Is committed by an individual who is not a national or permanent resident alien of the United States;
(b) Involves violent acts or acts dangerous to human life which would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States; and
(c) Is intended—
(1) To intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
(2) To influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
(3) To affect the conduct of a government by assassination or kidnapping.
(1) Before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in a foreign state pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1481(a)(5); or
(2) Before an officer designated by the Attorney General when the United States is in a state of war pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1481(a)(6).
(b) The term shall not include any renunciation of citizenship that has been reversed as a result of administrative or judicial appeal.
(1) Norinco, Mitchell, and Poly Technologies Avtomat Kalashnikovs (all models),
(2) Action Arms Israeli Military Industries UZI and Galil,
(3) Beretta Ar70 (SC-70),
(4) Colt AR-15,
(5) Fabrique National FN/FAL, FN/LAR, and FNC,
(6) SWD M-10, M-11, M-11/9, and M-12,
(7) Steyr AUG,
(8) INTRATEC TEC-9, TEC-DC9 and TEC-22, and
(9) Revolving cylinder shotguns, such as (or similar to) the Street Sweeper and Striker 12;
(b) A semiautomatic rifle that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least 2 of—
(1) A folding or telescoping stock,
(2) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon,
(3) A bayonet mount,
(4) A flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor, and
(5) A grenade launcher;
(c) A semiautomatic pistol that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least 2 of—
(1) An ammunition magazine that attaches to the pistol outside of the pistol grip,
(2) A threaded barrel capable of accepting a barrel extender, flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer,
(3) A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel and that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the nontrigger hand without being burned,
(4) A manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more when the pistol is unloaded, and
(5) A semiautomatic version of an automatic firearm; and
(d) A semiautomatic shotgun that has at least 2 of—
(1) A folding or telescoping stock,
(2) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon,
(3) A fixed magazine capacity in excess of 5 rounds, and
(4) An ability to accept a detachable magazine.
A maintains a home in State X. A travels to State Y on a hunting, fishing, business, or other type of trip. A does not become a resident of State Y by reason of such trip.
A is a U.S. citizen and maintains a home in State X and a home in State Y. A resides in State X except for weekends or the summer months of the year and in State Y for the weekends or the summer months of the year. During the time that A actually resides in State X, A is a resident of State X, and during the time that A actually resides in State Y, A is a resident of State Y.
A, an alien, travels on vacation or on a business trip to State X. Regardless of the length of time A spends in State X, A does not have a State of residence in State X. This is because A does not have a home in State X at which he has resided for at least 90 days.
For
(a) The Director is authorized to prescribe all forms required by this part. All of the information called for in each form shall be furnished as indicated by the headings on the form and the instructions on or pertaining to the form. In addition, information called for in each form shall be furnished as required by this part.
(b) Requests for forms should be mailed to the ATF Distribution Center, 7664 K Fullerton Road, Springfield, Virginia 22150.
(a)
(1) Good cause is shown for the use of the alternate method or procedure;
(2) The alternate method or procedure is within the purpose of, and consistent with the effect intended by, the specifically prescribed method or procedure and that the alternate method
(3) The alternate method or procedure will not be contrary to any provision of law and will not result in an increase in cost to the Government or hinder the effective administration of this part. Where the licensee desires to employ an alternate method or procedure, a written application shall be submitted to the appropriate Director of Industry Operations, for transmittal to the Director. The application shall specifically describe the proposed alternate method or procedure and shall set forth the reasons for it. Alternate methods or procedures may not be employed until the application is approved by the Director. The licensee shall, during the period of authorization of an alternate method or procedure, comply with the terms of the approved application. Authorization of any alternate method or procedure may be withdrawn whenever, in the judgment of the Director, the effective administration of this part is hindered by the continuation of the authorization.
(b)
(c)
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), any ATF officer, when there is reasonable cause to believe a violation of the Act has occurred and that evidence of the violation may be found on the premises of any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, may, upon demonstrating such cause before a Federal magistrate and obtaining from the magistrate a warrant authorizing entry, enter during business hours (or, in the case of a licensed collector, the hours of operation) the premises, including places of storage, of any such licensee for the purpose of inspecting or examining:
(1) Any records or documents required to be kept by such licensee under this part and
(2) Any inventory of firearms or ammunition kept or stored by any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer at such premises or any firearms curios or relics or ammunition kept or stored by any licensed collector at such premises.
(b) Any ATF officer, without having reasonable cause to believe a violation of the Act has occurred or that evidence of the violation may be found and without demonstrating such cause before a Federal magistrate or obtaining from the magistrate a warrant authorizing entry, may enter during business hours the premises, including
(1) In the course of a reasonable inquiry during the course of a criminal investigation of a person or persons other than the licensee,
(2) For insuring compliance with the recordkeeping requirements of this part:
(i) Not more than once during any 12-month period, or
(ii) At any time with respect to records relating to a firearm involved in a criminal investigation that is traced to the licensee, or
(3) When such inspection or examination may be required for determining the disposition of one or more particular firearms in the course of a bona fide criminal investigation.
(c) Any ATF officer, without having reasonable cause to believe a violation of the Act has occurred or that evidence of the violation may be found and without demonstrating such cause before a Federal magistrate or obtaining from the magistrate a warrant authorizing entry, may enter during hours of operation the premises, including places of storage, of any licensed collector for the purpose of inspecting or examining the records, documents, firearms, and ammunition referred to in paragraph (a) of this section (1) for ensuring compliance with the recordkeeping requirements of this part not more than once during any 12-month period or (2) when such inspection or examination may be required for determining the disposition of one or more particular firearms in the course of a bona fide criminal investigation. At the election of the licensed collector, the annual inspection permitted by this paragraph shall be performed at the ATF office responsible for conducting such inspection in closest proximity to the collectors premises.
(d) The inspections and examinations provided by this section do not authorize an ATF officer to seize any records or documents other than those records or documents constituting material evidence of a violation of law. If an ATF officer seizes such records or documents, copies shall be provided the licensee within a reasonable time.
(a) The Director shall annually revise and furnish Federal firearms licensees with a compilation of State laws and published ordinances which are relevant to the enforcement of this part. The Director annually revises the compilation and publishes it as “State Laws and Published Ordinances—Firearms” which is furnished free of charge to licensees under this part. Where the compilation has previously been furnished to licensees, the Director need only furnish amendments of the relevant laws and ordinances to such licensees.
(b) “State Laws and Published Ordinances—Firearms” is incorporated by reference in this part. It is ATF Publication 5300.5, revised yearly. The current edition is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:
The Director of Industry Operations may make available to any Federal, State or local law enforcement agency any information which is obtained by reason of the provisions of the Act with respect to the identification of persons prohibited from purchasing or receiving firearms or ammunition who have purchased or received firearms or ammunition, together with a description of such firearms or ammunition. Upon the request of any Federal, State or
Each licensee shall respond immediately to, and in no event later than 24 hours after the receipt of, a request by an ATF officer at the National Tracing Center for information contained in the records required to be kept by this part for determining the disposition of one or more firearms in the course of a bona fide criminal investigation. The requested information shall be provided orally to the ATF officer within the 24-hour period. Verification of the identity and employment of National Tracing Center personnel requesting information may be established at the time the requested information is provided by telephoning the toll-free number 1-800-788-7132 or using the toll-free facsimile (FAX) number 1-800-788-7133.
Any person who desires to obtain a determination whether a particular firearm is a curio or relic shall submit a written request, in duplicate, for a ruling thereon to the Director. Each such request shall be executed under the penalties of perjury and shall contain a complete and accurate description of the firearm, and such photographs, diagrams, or drawings as may be necessary to enable the Director to make a determination. The Director may require the submission of the firearm for examination and evaluation. If the submission of the firearm is impractical, the person requesting the determination shall so advise the Director and designate the place where the firearm will be available for examination and evaluation.
The Director shall determine in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(4) whether a device is excluded from the definition of a destructive device. A person who desires to obtain a determination under that provision of law for any device which he believes is not likely to be used as a weapon shall submit a written request, in triplicate, for a ruling thereon to the Director. Each such request shall be executed under the penalties of perjury and contain a complete and accurate description of the device, the name and address of the manufacturer or importer thereof, the purpose of and use for which it is intended, and such photographs, diagrams, or drawings as may be necessary to enable the Director to make his determination. The Director may require the submission to him, of a sample of such device for examination and evaluation. If the submission of such device is impracticable, the person requesting the ruling shall so advise the Director and designate the place where the device will be available for examination and evaluation.
(a) The Director may authorize a person to transport in interstate or foreign commerce any destructive device, machine gun, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle, if he finds that such transportation is reasonably necessary and is consistent with public safety and applicable State and local law. A person who desires to transport in interstate or foreign commerce any such device or weapon shall submit a written request so to do, in duplicate, to the Director. The request shall contain:
(1) A complete description and identification of the device or weapon to be transported;
(2) A statement whether such transportation involves a transfer of title;
(3) The need for such transportation;
(4) The approximate date such transportation is to take place;
(5) The present location of such device or weapon and the place to which it is to be transported;
(6) The mode of transportation to be used (including, if by common or contract carrier, the name and address of such carrier); and
(7) Evidence that the transportation or possession of such device or weapon is not inconsistent with the laws at the place of destination.
(b) No person shall transport any destructive device, machine gun, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle in interstate or foreign commerce under the provisions of this section until he has received specific authorization so to do from the Director. Authorization granted under this section does not carry or import relief from any other statutory or regulatory provision relating to firearms.
(c) This section shall not be construed as requiring licensees to obtain authorization to transport destructive devices, machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, and short-barreled rifles in interstate or foreign commerce:
No person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, shall transport into or receive in the State where the person resides (or if a corporation or other business entity, where it maintains a place of business) any firearm purchased or otherwise obtained by such person outside that State:
(a) Shall not preclude any person who lawfully acquires a firearm by bequest or intestate succession in a State other than his State of residence from transporting the firearm into or receiving it in that State, if it is lawful for such person to purchase or possess such firearm in that State,
(b) Shall not apply to the transportation or receipt of a rifle or shotgun obtained from a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector in a State other than the transferee's State of residence in an over-the-counter transaction at the licensee's premises obtained in conformity with the provisions of § 478.96(c) and
(c) Shall not apply to the transportation or receipt of a firearm obtained in conformity with the provisions of §§ 478.30 and 478.97.
No person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, who does not reside in any State shall receive any firearms unless such receipt is for lawful sporting purposes.
No nonlicensee shall transfer, sell, trade, give, transport, or deliver any firearm to any other nonlicensee, who the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe does not reside in (or if the person is a corporation or other business entity, does not maintain a place of business in) the State in which the transferor resides:
(a) shall not apply to the transfer, transportation, or delivery of a firearm made to carry out a bequest of a firearm to, or any acquisition by intestate succession of a firearm by, a person who is permitted to acquire or possess a firearm under the laws of the State of his residence; and
(b) shall not apply to the loan or rental of a firearm to any person for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes.
(a) No person shall knowingly deliver or cause to be delivered to any common or contract carrier for transportation or shipment in interstate or foreign commerce to any person other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, any package or other container in which there is any firearm or ammunition without written notice to the carrier that such firearm or ammunition is being transported or shipped:
(b) No common or contract carrier shall require or cause any label, tag, or other written notice to be placed on the outside of any package, luggage, or other container indicating that such package, luggage, or other container contains a firearm.
(c) No common or contract carrier shall transport or deliver in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm or ammunition with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that the shipment, transportation, or receipt thereof would be in violation of any provision of this part:
(d) No common or contract carrier shall knowingly deliver in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm without obtaining written acknowledgement of receipt from the recipient of the package or other container in which there is a firearm:
(a) No person may ship or transport any firearm or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce, or receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess any firearm or ammunition in or affecting commerce, who:
(1) Has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year,
(2) Is a fugitive from justice,
(3) Is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 802),
(4) Has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution,
(5) Being an alien—
(i) Is illegally or unlawfully in the United States; or
(ii) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, is a nonimmigrant alien:
(A) Admitted to the United States for lawful hunting or sporting purposes or is in possession of a hunting license or permit lawfully issued in the United States;
(B) An official representative of a foreign government who is either accredited to the United States Government or the Government's mission to an international organization having its headquarters in the United States or is en route to or from another country to which that alien is accredited. This exception only applies if the firearm or ammunition is shipped, transported, possessed, or received in the representative's official capacity;
(C) An official of a foreign government or a distinguished foreign visitor
(D) A foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government entering the United States on official law enforcement business,
(6) Has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions,
(7) Having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced citizenship,
(8) Is subject to a court order that—
(i) Was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual notice, and at which such person had an opportunity to participate;
(ii) Restrains such person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner of such person or child of such intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child; and
(iii)(A) Includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or
(B) By its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against such intimate partner or child that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury, or
(9) Has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
(b) No person who is under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year may ship or transport any firearm or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce or receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
(c) Any individual, who to that individual's knowledge and while being employed by any person described in paragraph (a) of this section, may not in the course of such employment receive, possess, or transport any firearm or ammunition in commerce or affecting commerce or receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
(d) No person may sell or otherwise dispose of any firearm or ammunition to any person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such person:
(1) Is under indictment for, or has been convicted in any court of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year,
(2) Is a fugitive from justice,
(3) Is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 802),
(4) Has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution,
(5) Being an alien—
(i) Is illegally or unlawfully in the United States; or
(ii) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, is a nonimmigrant alien:
(A) Admitted to the United States for lawful hunting or sporting purposes or is in possession of a hunting license or permit lawfully issued in the United States;
(B) An official representative of a foreign government who is either accredited to the United States Government or the Government's mission to an international organization having its headquarters in the United States or en route to or from another country to which that alien is accredited. This exception only applies if the firearm or ammunition is shipped, transported, possessed, or received in the representative's official capacity;
(C) An official of a foreign government or a distinguished foreign visitor who has been so designated by the Department of State. This exception only applies if the firearm or ammunition is shipped, transported, possessed, or received in the official's or visitor's official capacity, except if the visitor is a private individual who does not have an official capacity; or
(D) A foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government entering the United States on official law enforcement business,
(6) Has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions,
(7) Having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced citizenship,
(8) Is subject to a court order that restrains such person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner of such person or child of such intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child:
(i) Was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual notice, and at which such person had the opportunity to participate; and
(ii)(A) Includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or
(B) By its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against such intimate partner or child that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury, or
(9) Has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
(e) The actual notice required by paragraphs (a)(8)(i) and (d)(8)(i) of this section is notice expressly and actually given, and brought home to the party directly, including service of process personally served on the party and service by mail. Actual notice also includes proof of facts and circumstances that raise the inference that the party received notice including, but not limited to, proof that notice was left at the party's dwelling house or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion residing therein; or proof that the party signed a return receipt for a hearing notice which had been mailed to the party. It does not include notice published in a newspaper.
(f) Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(3), any nonimmigrant alien may receive a waiver from the prohibition contained in paragraph (a)(5)(ii) of this section, if the Attorney General approves a petition for the waiver.
No person shall transport or ship in interstate or foreign commerce any stolen firearm or stolen ammunition knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the firearm or ammunition was stolen, and no person shall receive, possess, conceal, store, barter, sell, or dispose of any stolen firearm or stolen ammunition, or pledge or accept as security for a loan any stolen firearm or stolen ammunition, which is moving as, which is a part of, which constitutes, or which has been shipped or transported in, interstate or foreign commerce, either before or after it was stolen, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the firearm or ammunition was stolen.
No person shall steal or unlawfully take or carry away from the person or the premises of a person who is licensed to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms, any firearm in the licensee's business inventory that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
No person shall knowingly transport, ship, or receive in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered, or possess or receive any firearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered and has, at any time, been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Licensing and recordkeeping requirements, including permissible alternate records, for skeet, trap, target, and similar organized activities shall be determined by the Director of Industry Operations on a case by case basis.
No person shall transfer or possess a machine gun except:
(a) A transfer to or by, or possession by or under the authority of, the United States, or any department or agency thereof, or a State, or a department, agency, or political subdivision thereof. (See Part 479 of this chapter); or
(b) Any lawful transfer or lawful possession of a machine gun that was lawfully possessed before May 19, 1986 (See Part 479 of this chapter).
No person shall manufacture or import, and no manufacturer or importer shall sell or deliver, armor piercing ammunition, except:
(a) The manufacture or importation, or the sale or delivery by any manufacturer or importer, of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or any department or agency thereof or any State or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof;
(b) The manufacture, or the sale or delivery by a manufacturer or importer, of armor piercing ammunition for the purpose of exportation; or
(c) The sale or delivery by a manufacturer or importer of armor piercing ammunition for the purposes of testing or experimentation as authorized by the Director under the provisions of § 478.149.
Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where such person may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where such person may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle:
(a) No person shall assemble a semiautomatic rifle or any shotgun using more than 10 of the imported parts listed in paragraph (c) of this section if the assembled firearm is prohibited from importation under section 925(d)(3) as not being particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes.
(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
(1) The assembly of such rifle or shotgun for sale or distribution by a licensed manufacturer to the United States or any department or agency thereof or to any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof; or
(2) The assembly of such rifle or shotgun for the purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the Director under the provisions of § 478.151; or
(3) The repair of any rifle or shotgun which had been imported into or assembled in the United States prior to November 30, 1990, or the replacement of any part of such firearm.
(c) For purposes of this section, the term
Each licensee shall report the theft or loss of a firearm from the licensee's inventory (including any firearm which has been transferred from the licensee's inventory to a personal collection and held as a personal firearm for at least 1 year), or from the collection of a licensed collector, within 48 hours after the theft or loss is discovered. Licensees shall report thefts or losses by telephoning 1-888-930-9275 (nationwide toll free number) and by preparing ATF Form 3310.11, Federal Firearms Licensee Theft/Loss Report, in accordance with the instructions on the form. The original of the report shall be forwarded to the office specified thereon, and Copy 1 shall be retained by the licensee as part of the licensee's permanent records. Theft or loss of any firearm shall also be reported to the appropriate local authorities.
(a)
(b)
(1) The possession or transfer of any semiautomatic assault weapon otherwise lawfully possessed in the United States under Federal law on September 13, 1994;
(2) Any of the firearms, or replicas or duplicates of the firearms, specified in 18 U.S.C. 922, Appendix A, as such firearms existed on October 1, 1993;
(3) Any firearm that—
(i) Is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action;
(ii) Has been rendered permanently inoperable; or
(iii) Is an antique firearm;
(4) Any semiautomatic rifle that cannot accept a detachable magazine that holds more than 5 rounds of ammunition;
(5) Any semiautomatic shotgun that cannot hold more than 5 rounds of ammunition in a fixed or detachable magazine;
(6) The manufacture for, transfer to, or possession by the United States or a department or agency of the United States or a State or a department, agency, or political subdivision of a State, or a transfer to or possession by a law enforcement officer employed by such an entity for purposes of law enforcement;
(7) The transfer to a licensee under title I of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011
(8) The possession, by an individual who is retired from service with a law enforcement agency and is not otherwise prohibited from receiving a firearm, of a semiautomatic assault weapon transferred to the individual by the agency upon such retirement;
(9) The manufacture, transfer, or possession of a semiautomatic assault weapon by a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer for the purposes of testing or experimentation as authorized by the Director under the provisions of § 478.153; or
(10) The manufacture, transfer, or possession of a semiautomatic assault weapon by a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer for the purpose of exportation in compliance with the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778).
(c)
(1) Contracts between the manufacturer and dealers stating that the weapons may only be sold to law enforcement agencies, law enforcement officers, or other purchasers specified in paragraph (b) of this section;
(2) Copies of purchase orders submitted to the manufacturer or dealer by law enforcement agencies or other purchasers specified in paragraph (b) of this section;
(3) Copies of letters submitted to the manufacturer or dealer by government agencies, law enforcement officers, or other purchasers specified in paragraph (b) of this section expressing an interest in purchasing the semiautomatic assault weapons;
(4) Letters from dealers to the manufacturer stating that sales will only be made to law enforcement agencies, law enforcement officers, or other purchasers specified in paragraph (b) of this section; and
(5) Letters from law enforcement officers purchasing in accordance with paragraph (b)(6) of this section and § 478.132.
(a)
(b)
(1) The possession or transfer of any large capacity ammunition feeding device otherwise lawfully possessed on September 13, 1994;
(2) The manufacture for, transfer to, or possession by the United States or a department or agency of the United States or a State or a department, agency, or political subdivision of a State, or a transfer to or possession by a law enforcement officer employed by such an entity for purposes of law enforcement;
(3) The transfer to a licensee under title I of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 for purposes of establishing and maintaining an on-site physical protection system and security organization required by Federal law, or possession by an employee or contractor of such licensee on-site for such purposes or off-site for purposes of licensee-authorized training or transportation of nuclear materials;
(4) The possession, by an individual who is retired from service with a law enforcement agency and is not otherwise prohibited from receiving ammunition, of a large capacity ammunition feeding device transferred to the individual by the agency upon such retirement;
(5) The manufacture, transfer, or possession of any large capacity ammunition feeding device by a manufacturer or importer for the purposes of testing or experimentation in accordance with § 478.153; or
(6) The manufacture, transfer, or possession of any large capacity ammunition feeding device by a manufacturer or importer for the purpose of exportation in accordance with the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778).
(c)
(1) Contracts between persons who import or manufacture such devices and persons who deal in such devices stating that the devices may only be
(2) Copies of purchase orders submitted to persons who manufacture, import, or deal in such devices by law enforcement agencies or other purchasers specified in paragraph (b) of this section;
(3) Copies of letters submitted to persons who manufacture, import, or deal in such devices by government agencies or other purchasers specified in paragraph (b) of this section expressing an interest in purchasing the devices;
(4) Letters from persons who deal in such devices to persons who import or manufacture such devices stating that sales will only be made to law enforcement agencies or other purchasers specified in paragraph (b) of this section; and
(5) Letters from law enforcement officers purchasing in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section and § 478.132.
(a) Each person intending to engage in business as an importer or manufacturer of firearms or ammunition, or a dealer in firearms shall, before commencing such business, obtain the license required by this subpart for the business to be operated. Each person who desires to obtain a license as a collector of curios or relics may obtain such a license under the provisions of this subpart.
(b) Each person intending to engage in business as a firearms or ammunition importer or manufacturer, or dealer in firearms shall file an application, with the required fee (see § 478.42), with ATF in accordance with the instructions on the form (see § 478.44), and, pursuant to § 478.47, receive the license required for such business from the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center. Except as provided in § 478.50, a license must be obtained for each business and each place at which the applicant is to do business. A license as an importer or manufacturer of firearms or ammunition, or a dealer in firearms shall, subject to the provisions of the Act and other applicable provisions of law, entitle the licensee to transport, ship, and receive firearms and ammunition covered by such license in interstate or foreign commerce and to engage in the business specified by the license, at the location described on the license, and for the period stated on the license. However, it shall not be necessary for a licensed importer or a licensed manufacturer to also obtain a dealer's license in order to engage in business on the licensed premises as a dealer in the same type of firearms authorized by the license to be imported or manufactured. Payment of the license fee as an importer or manufacturer of destructive devices, ammunition for destructive devices or armor piercing ammunition or as a dealer in destructive devices includes the privilege of importing or manufacturing firearms other than destructive devices and ammunition for other than destructive devices or ammunition other than armor piercing ammunition, or dealing in firearms other than destructive devices, as the case may be, by such a licensee at the licensed premises.
(c) Each person seeking the privileges of a collector licensed under this part shall file an application, with the required fee (see § 478.42), with ATF in accordance with the instructions on the form (see § 478.44), and pursuant to § 478.47, receive from the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, the license covering the collection of curios and relics. A separate license may be obtained for each collection premises, and such license shall, subject to the provisions of the Act and other applicable provisions of law, entitle the licensee to transport, ship, receive, and acquire curios and relics in interstate or foreign commerce, and to make disposition of curios and relics in interstate or foreign commerce, to any other person licensed under the provisions of this part, for the period stated on the license.
(d) The collector license provided by this part shall apply only to transactions related to a collector's activity in acquiring, holding or disposing of curios and relics. A collector's license does not authorize the collector to engage in a business required to be licensed under the Act or this part. Therefore, if the acquisitions and dispositions of curios and relics by a collector bring the collector within the definition of a manufacturer, importer, or dealer under this part, he shall qualify as such. (See also § 478.93 of this part.)
Each applicant shall pay a fee for obtaining a firearms license or ammunition license, a separate fee being required for each business or collecting activity at each place of such business or activity, as follows:
(a) For a manufacturer:
(1) Of destructive devices, ammunition for destructive devices or armor piercing ammunition—$1,000 per year.
(2) Of firearms other than destructive devices—$50 per year.
(3) Of ammunition for firearms other than ammunition for destructive devices or armor piercing ammunition—$10 per year.
(b) For an importer:
(1) Of destructive devices, ammunition for destructive devices or armor piercing ammunition—$1,000 per year.
(2) Of firearms other than destructive devices or ammunition for firearms other than destructive devices or ammunition other than armor piercing ammunition—$50 per year.
(c) For a dealer:
(1) In destructive devices—$1,000 per year.
(2) Who is not a dealer in destructive devices—$200 for 3 years, except that the fee for renewal of a valid license shall be $90 for 3 years.
(d) For a collector of curios and relics—$10 per year.
No refund of any part of the amount paid as a license fee shall be made where the operations of the licensee are, for any reason, discontinued during the period of an issued license. However, the license fee submitted with an application for a license shall be refunded if that application is denied or withdrawn by the applicant prior to being acted upon.
(a)(1) Any person who intends to engage in business as a firearms or ammunition importer or manufacturer, or firearms dealer, or who has not previously been licensed under the provisions of this part to so engage in business, or who has not timely submitted an application for renewal of the previous license issued under this part, must file an application for license, ATF Form 7 (Firearms), in duplicate, with ATF in accordance with the instructions on the form. The application must:
(i) Be executed under the penalties of perjury and the penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 924;
(ii) Include a photograph and fingerprints as required in the instructions on the form;
(iii) If the applicant (including, in the case of a corporation, partnership, or association, any individual possessing, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the corporation, partnership, or association) is a nonimmigrant alien, applicable documentation demonstrating that the nonimmigrant alien falls within an exception to or has obtained a waiver from the nonimmigrant alien provision (e.g., a hunting license or permit lawfully issued in the United States; waiver); and
(iv) Include the appropriate fee in the form of money order or check made
(2) ATF Form 7 may be obtained by contacting the ATF Distribution Center (See § 478.21).
(b) Any person who desires to obtain a license as a collector under the Act and this part, or who has not timely submitted an application for renewal of the previous license issued under this part, shall file an application, ATF Form 7CR (Curios and Relics), with ATF in accordance with the instructions on the form. If the applicant (including, in the case of a corporation, partnership, or association, any individual possessing, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the corporation, partnership, or association) is a nonimmigrant alien, the application must include applicable documentation demonstrating that the nonimmigrant alien falls within an exception to or has obtained a waiver from the nonimmigrant alien provision (e.g., a hunting license or permit lawfully issued in the United States; waiver). The application must be executed under the penalties of perjury and the penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 924. The application shall include the appropriate fee in the form of a money order or check made payable to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. ATF Form 7CR (Curios and Relics) may be obtained by contacting the ATF Distribution Center (See § 478.21).
If a licensee intends to continue the business or activity described on a license issued under this part during any portion of the ensuing year, the licensee shall, unless otherwise notified in writing by the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, execute and file with ATF prior to the expiration of the license an application for a license renewal, ATF Form 8 Part II, in accordance with the instructions on the form, and the required fee. If the applicant is a nonimmigrant alien, the application must include applicable documentation demonstrating that the nonimmigrant alien falls within an exception to or has obtained a waiver from the nonimmigrant alien provision (e.g., a hunting license or permit lawfully issued in the United States; waiver). The Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center may, in writing, require the applicant for license renewal to also file completed ATF Form 7 or ATF Form 7CR in the manner required by § 478.44. In the event the licensee does not timely file an ATF Form 8 Part II, the licensee must file an ATF Form 7 or ATF Form 7CR as required by § 478.44, and obtain the required license before continuing business or collecting activity. If an ATF Form 8 Part II is not timely received through the mails, the licensee should so notify the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center.
If an application is filed with an insufficient fee, the application and any fee submitted will be returned to the applicant.
(a) Upon receipt of a properly executed application for a license on ATF Form 7, ATF Form 7CR, or ATF Form 8 Part II, the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, shall, upon finding through further inquiry or investigation, or otherwise, that the applicant is qualified, issue the appropriate license. Each license shall bear a serial number and such number may be assigned to the licensee to whom issued for so long as the licensee maintains continuity of renewal in the same location (State).
(b) The Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, shall approve a properly executed application for license on ATF Form 7, ATF Form 7CR, or ATF Form 8 Part II, if:
(1) The applicant is 21 years of age or over;
(2) The applicant (including, in the case of a corporation, partnership, or association, any individual possessing, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the corporation, partnership, or association) is not prohibited under the provisions of the Act from shipping or transporting in interstate or foreign commerce, or possessing in or affecting commerce, any firearm or ammunition, or from receiving any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce;
(3) The applicant has not willfully violated any of the provisions of the Act or this part;
(4) The applicant has not willfully failed to disclose any material information required, or has not made any false statement as to any material fact, in connection with his application; and
(5) The applicant has in a State (i) premises from which he conducts business subject to license under the Act or from which he intends to conduct such business within a reasonable period of time, or (ii) in the case of a collector, premises from which he conducts his collecting subject to license under the Act or from which he intends to conduct such collecting within a reasonable period of time.
(c) The Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, shall approve or the Director of Industry Operations shall deny an application for a license within the 60-day period beginning on the date the properly executed application was received:
(d) When the Director of Industry Operations or the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center fails to act on an application for a license within the 60-day period prescribed by paragraph (c) of this section, the applicant may file an action under section 1361 of title 28, United States Code, to compel ATF to act upon the application.
(a) Upon receipt of a license issued under the provisions of this part, each licensee shall examine same to ensure that the information contained thereon is accurate. If the license is incorrect, the licensee shall return the license to the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, with a statement showing the nature of the error. The Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, shall correct the error, if the error was made in his office, and return the license. However, if the error resulted from information contained in the licensee's application for the license, the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, shall require the licensee to file an amended application setting forth the correct information and a statement explaining the error contained in the application. Upon receipt of the amended application and a satisfactory explanation of the error, the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, shall make the correction on the license and return same to the licensee.
(b) When the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, finds through any means other than notice from the licensee that an incorrect license has been issued, the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, may require the holder of the incorrect license to (1) return the license for correction, and (2) if the error resulted from information contained in the licensee's application for the license, the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, shall require the licensee to file an amended application setting forth the correct information, and a statement
The license entitles the person to whom issued to engage in the business or activity specified on the license, within the limitations of the Act and the regulations contained in this part, for a three year period, unless terminated sooner.
The license covers the class of business or the activity specified in the license at the address specified therein. A separate license must be obtained for each location at which a firearms or ammunition business or activity requiring a license under this part is conducted except:
(a) No license is required to cover a separate warehouse used by the licensee solely for storage of firearms or ammunition if the records required by this part are maintained at the licensed premises served by such warehouse;
(b) A licensed collector may acquire curios and relics at any location, and dispose of curios or relics to any licensee or to other persons who are residents of the State where the collector's license is held and the disposition is made;
(c) A licensee may conduct business at a gun show pursuant to the provision of § 478.100; or
(d) A licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer may engage in the business of dealing in curio or relic firearms with another licensee at any location pursuant to the provisions of § 478.100.
Licenses issued under this part are not transferable. In the event of the lease, sale, or other transfer of the operations authorized by the license, the successor must obtain the license required by this part prior to commencing such operations. However, for rules on right of succession, see § 478.56.
(a) Licensees may during the term of their current license remove their business or activity to a new location at which they intend regularly to carry on such business or activity by filing an Application for an Amended Federal Firearms License, ATF Form 5300.38, in duplicate, not less than 30 days prior to such removal with the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center. The ATF Form 5300.38 shall be completed in accordance with the instructions on the form. The application must be executed under the penalties of perjury and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 924. The application shall be accompanied by the licensee's original license. The Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center Center, may, in writing, require the applicant for an amended license to also file completed ATF Form 7 or ATF Form 7CR, or portions thereof, in the manner required by § 478.44.
(b) Upon receipt of a properly executed application for an amended license, the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, shall, upon finding through further inquiry or investigation, or otherwise, that the applicant is qualified at the new location, issue the amended license, and return it to the applicant. The license shall be valid for the remainder of the term of the original license. The Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center, shall, if the applicant is not qualified, refer the application for amended license to the Director of Industry Operations for denial in accordance with § 478.71.
A licensee continuing to conduct business at the location shown on his license is not required to obtain a new license by reason of a mere change in trade name under which he conducts his business:
In the case of a corporation or association holding a license under this part, if actual or legal control of the corporation or association changes, directly or indirectly, whether by reason of change in stock ownership or control (in the licensed corporation or in any other corporation), by operations of law, or in any other manner, the licensee shall, within 30 days of such change, give written notification thereof, executed under the penalties of perjury, to the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center. Upon expiration of the license, the corporation or association must file a Form 7 (Firearms) as required by § 478.44.
Where, under the laws of the particular State, the partnership is not terminated on death or insolvency of a partner, but continues until the winding up of the partnership affairs is completed, and the surviving partner has the exclusive right to the control and possession of the partnership assets for the purpose of liquidation and settlement, such surviving partner may continue to operate the business under the license of the partnership. If such surviving partner acquires the business on completion of the settlement of the partnership, he shall obtain a license in his own name from the date of acquisition, as provided in § 478.44. The rule set forth in this section shall also apply where there is more than one surviving partner.
(a) Certain persons other than the licensee may secure the right to carry on the same firearms or ammunition business at the same address shown on, and for the remainder of the term of, a current license. Such persons are:
(1) The surviving spouse or child, or executor, administrator, or other legal representative of a deceased licensee; and
(2) A receiver or trustee in bankruptcy, or an assignee for benefit of creditors.
(b) In order to secure the right provided by this section, the person or persons continuing the business shall furnish the license for that business for endorsement of such succession to the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center , within 30 days from the date on which the successor begins to carry on the business.
(a) Where a firearm or ammunition business is either discontinued or succeeded by a new owner, the owner of the business discontinued or succeeded shall within 30 days thereof furnish to the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center notification of the discontinuance or succession. (See also § 478.127.)
(b) Since section 922(v), Title 18, U.S.C., makes it unlawful to transfer or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon, except as provided in the law, any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer intending to discontinue business shall, prior to going out of business, transfer in compliance with the provisions of this part any semiautomatic assault weapon manufactured or imported after September 13, 1994, to a person specified in § 478.40(b), or, subject to the provisions of §§ 478.40(c) and 478.132, a licensed manufacturer, a licensed importer, or a licensed dealer.
(c) Since section 922(w), Title 18, U.S.C., makes it unlawful to transfer or possess a large capacity ammunition feeding device, except as provided in the law, any person who manufactures, imports, or deals in such devices and who intends to discontinue business shall, prior to going out of business, transfer in compliance with the provisions of this part any large capacity ammunition feeding device manufactured after September 13, 1994, to a person specified in § 478.40a(b), or, subject to the provisions of §§ 478.40a(c) and 478.132, a person who manufactures, imports, or deals in such devices.
A license issued under this part confers no right or privilege to conduct business or activity contrary to State or other law. The holder of such a license is not by reason of the rights and privileges granted by that license immune from punishment for operating a firearm or ammunition business or activity in violation of the provisions of any State or other law. Similarly, compliance with the provisions of any State or other law affords no immunity under Federal law or regulations.
Upon receipt of an incomplete or improperly executed application on ATF form 7 (5310.12), or ATF Form 8 (5310.11) Part II, the applicant shall be notified of the deficiency in the application. If the application is not corrected and returned within 30 days following the date of notification, the application shall be considered as having been abandoned and the license fee returned.
A licensee who furnishes his license to the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center for correction or endorsement in compliance with the provisions contained in this subpart may continue his operations while awaiting its return.
Whenever the Director has reason to believe that an applicant is not qualified to receive a license under the provisions of § 478.47, he may issue a notice of denial, on Form 4498, to the applicant. The notice shall set forth the matters of fact and law relied upon in determining that the application should be denied, and shall afford the applicant 15 days from the date of receipt of the notice in which to request a hearing to review the denial. If no request for a hearing is filed within such time, the application shall be disapproved and a copy, so marked, shall be returned to the applicant.
If the applicant for an original or renewal license desires a hearing to review the denial of his application, he shall file a request therefor, in duplicate, with the Director of Industry Operations within 15 days after receipt of the notice of denial.The request should include a statement of the reasons therefor. On receipt of the request, the Director of Industry Operations shall, as expeditiously as possible, make the necessary arrangements for the hearing and advise the applicant of the date, time, location, and the name of the officer before whom the hearing will be held.Such notification shall be made not less than 10 days in advance of the date set for the hearing. On conclusion of the hearing and consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances presented by the applicant or his representative, the Director shall render his decision confirming or reversing the denial of the application. If the decision is that the denial should
(a)
(b)
If a licensee desires a hearing after receipt of a notice of suspension or revocation of a license, or imposition of a civil fine, the licensee shall file a request, in duplicate, with the Director of Industry Operations within 15 days after receipt of the notice of suspension or revocation of a license, or imposition of a civil fine. On receipt of such request, the Director of Industry Operations shall, as expeditiously as possible, make necessary arrangements for the hearing and advise the licensee of the date, time, location and the name of the officer before whom the hearing will be held. Such notification shall be made no less than 10 days in advance of the date set for the hearing. On conclusion of the hearing and consideration of all the relevant presentations made by the licensee or the licensee's representative, the Director shall render a decision and shall prepare a brief summary of the findings and conclusions on which the decision is based. If the decision is that the license should be revoked, or, in actions under 18 U.S.C. 922(t)(5), that the license should be revoked or suspended, and/or that a civil fine should be imposed, a certified copy of the summary shall be furnished to the licensee with the final notice of revocation, suspension, or imposition of a civil fine on ATF Form 4501. If the decision is that the license should not be revoked, or in actions under 18 U.S.C. 922(t)(5), that the license should not be revoked or suspended, and a civil fine should not be imposed, the licensee shall be notified in writing.
All notices and other documents required to be served on an applicant or licensee under this subpart shall be served by certified mail or by personal delivery. Where service is by certified mail, a signed duplicate original copy of the formal document shall be mailed, with return receipt requested,
An applicant or licensee may be represented by an attorney, certified public accountant, or other person recognized to practice before the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms as provided in 31 CFR Part 8 (Practice Before the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms), if he has otherwise complied with the applicable requirements of 26 CFR 601.521 through 601.527 (conference and practice requirements for alcohol, tobacco, and firearms activities) of this chapter. The Director may be represented in proceedings by an attorney in the office of the Assistant Chief Counsel or Division Counsel who is authorized to execute and file motions, briefs and other papers in the proceeding, on behalf of the Director , in his own name as “Attorney for the Government.”
The designated place of the hearing shall be a location convenient to the aggrieved party.
In any case where denial, suspension, or revocation proceedings are pending before the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, or notice of denial, suspension, or revocation has been served on the licensee and he has filed timely request for a hearing, the license in the possession of the licensee shall remain in effect even though such license has expired, or the suspension or revocation date specified in the notice of revocation on Form 4500 served on the licensee has passed:
Any license issued under this part shall be kept posted and kept available for inspection on the premises covered by the license.
(a)(1)
(i) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed) or placed on the frame or receiver thereof
(ii) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed) or placed on the frame, receiver, or barrel thereof certain additional information. This information must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or removed. For firearms manufactured or imported on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of this information must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch. The additional information includes:
(A) The model, if such designation has been made;
(B) The caliber or gauge;
(C) Your name (or recognized abbreviation) and also, when applicable, the name of the foreign manufacturer;
(D) In the case of a domestically made firearm, the city and State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the manufacturer maintain your place of business; and
(E) In the case of an imported firearm, the name of the country in which it was manufactured and the city and State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the importer maintain your place of business. For additional requirements relating to imported firearms, see Customs regulations at 19 CFR part 134.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(ii)
(iii)
(5)
(b)
(2)
(c)
(i) Additionally, in the case of a domestically made large capacity ammunition feeding device, such device shall be marked with the name, city and State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) of the manufacturer;
(ii) And in the case of an imported large capacity ammunition feeding device, such device shall be marked:
(A) With the name of the manufacturer, country of origin, and,
(B) Effective July 5, 1995, the name, city and State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) of the importer.
(iii) Further, large capacity ammunition feeding devices manufactured after September 13, 1994, shall be marked “RESTRICTED LAW ENFORCEMENT/GOVERNMENT USE ONLY” or, in the case of devices manufactured or imported for export, effective July 5, 1995, “FOR EXPORT ONLY.”
(2) All markings required by this paragraph (c) shall be cast, stamped, or engraved on the exterior of the device. In the case of a magazine, the markings shall be placed on the magazine body.
(3)
(ii)
The license issued to a collector of curios or relics under the provisions of this part shall cover only transactions by the licensed collector in curios and relics. The collector's license is of no force or effect and a licensed collector is of the same status under the Act and this part as a nonlicensee with respect to (a) any acquisition or disposition of firearms other than curios or relics, or any transportation, shipment, or receipt of firearms other than curios or relics in interstate or foreign commerce, and (b) any transaction with a nonlicensee involving any firearm other than a curio or relic. (See also § 478.50.) A collectors license is not necessary to receive or dispose of ammunition, and a licensed collector is not
A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer selling or otherwise disposing of firearms, and a licensed collector selling or otherwise disposing of curios or relics, to another licensee shall verify the identity and licensed status of the transferee prior to making the transaction. Verification shall be established by the transferee furnishing to the transferor a certified copy of the transferee's license and by such other means as the transferor deems necessary:
The license furnished to each person licensed under the provisions of this part contains a purchasing certification statement. This original license may be reproduced and the reproduction then certified by the licensee for use pursuant to § 178.94. If the licensee desires an additional copy of the license for certification (instead of making a reproduction of the original license), the licensee may submit a request, in writing, for a certified copy or copies of the license to the Chief, Federal Firearms Licensing Center. The request must set forth the name, trade name (if any) and address of the licensee, and the number of license copies desired. There is a charge of $1 for each copy. The fee paid for copies of the license must accompany the request for copies. The fee may be paid by (a) cash, or (b) money order or check made payable to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
(a) The provisions of this section shall apply when a firearm is purchased by or delivered to a person not otherwise prohibited by the Act from purchasing or receiving it.
(b) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer may sell a firearm that is not subject to the provisions of § 478.102(a) to a nonlicensee who does not appear in person at the licensee's business premises if the nonlicensee is a resident of the same State in which the licensee's business premises are located, and the nonlicensee furnishes to the licensee the firearms transaction record, Form
(c)(1) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer may sell or deliver a rifle or shotgun, and a licensed collector may sell or deliver a rifle or shotgun that is a curio or relic to a nonlicensed resident of a State other than the State in which the licensee's place of business is located if—
(i) The purchaser meets with the licensee in person at the licensee's premises to accomplish the transfer, sale, and delivery of the rifle or shotgun;
(ii) The licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer complies with the provisions of § 478.102;
(iii) The purchaser furnishes to the licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer the firearms transaction record, Form 4473, required by § 478.124; and
(iv) The sale, delivery, and receipt of the rifle or shotgun fully comply with the legal conditions of sale in both such States.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (c) of this section, any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer is presumed, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, to have had actual knowledge of the State laws and published ordinances of both such States.
(a) A licensee may lend or rent a firearm to any person for temporary use off the premises of the licensee for lawful sporting purposes:
(b) A club, association, or similar organization temporarily furnishing firearms (whether by loan, rental, or otherwise) to participants in a skeet, trap, target, or similar shooting activity for use at the time and place such activity is held does not, unattended by other circumstances, cause such club, association, or similar organization to be engaged in the business of a dealer in firearms or as engaging in firearms transactions. Therefore, licensing and recordkeeping requirements contained in this part pertaining to firearms transactions would not apply to this temporary furnishing of firearms for use on premises on which such an activity is conducted.
The sale or delivery by a licensee of any destructive device, machine gun, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle, to any person other than another licensee who is licensed under this part to deal in such device or firearm, is prohibited unless the person to receive such device or firearm furnishes to the licensee a sworn statement setting forth
(a) The reasons why there is a reasonable necessity for such person to purchase or otherwise acquire the device or weapon; and
(b) That such person's receipt or possession of the device or weapon would be consistent with public safety. Such sworn statement shall be made on the application to transfer and register the firearm required by Part 479 of this chapter. The sale or delivery of the device or weapon shall not be made until the application for transfer is approved by the Director and returned to the licensee (transferor) as provided in Part 479 of this chapter.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Is, except as provided by § 478.143, under indictment for, or, except as provided by § 478.144, has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year;
(2) Is a fugitive from justice;
(3) Is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substance Act, 21 U.S.C. 802);
(4) Has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any mental institution;
(5) Is an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States or, except as provided in § 478.32(f), is a nonimmigrant alien:
(i) Admitted to the United States for lawful hunting or sporting purposes or is in possession of a hunting license or permit lawfully issued in the United States;
(ii) An official representative of a foreign government who is either accredited to the United States Government or the Government's mission to an international organization having its headquarters in the United States or en route to or from another country to which that alien is accredited. This exception only applies if the firearm or ammunition is shipped, transported, possessed, or received in the representative's official capacity;
(iii) An official of a foreign government or a distinguished foreign visitor who has been so designated by the Department of State. This exception only applies if the firearm or ammunition is shipped, transported, possessed, or received in the official's or visitor's official capacity, except if the visitor is a private individual who does not have an official capacity; or
(iv) A foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government entering the United States on official law enforcement business;
(6) Has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
(7) Who, having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced citizenship;
(8) Is subject to a court order that restrains such person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner of such person or child of such intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child, except that this paragraph shall only apply to a court order that—
(i) Was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual notice, and at which such person had the opportunity to participate; and
(ii)(A) Includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or
(B) By its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against such intimate partner or child that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury, or
(9) Has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
(d)
(1) For use of the United States or any department or agency thereof or any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof;
(2) For the purpose of exportation; or
(3) For the purpose of testing or experimentation authorized by the Director under the provisions of § 478.149.
(e)
(a)(1) A licensee may conduct business temporarily at a gun show or event as defined in paragraph (b) if the gun show or event is located in the same State specified on the license:
(2) A licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer may engage in the business of dealing in curio or relic
(b) A gun show or an event is a function sponsored by any national, State, or local organization, devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms, or an organization or association that sponsors functions devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms in the community.
(c) Licensees conducting business at locations other than the premises specified on their license under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall maintain firearms records in the form and manner prescribed by subpart H of this part. In addition, records of firearms transactions conducted at such locations shall include the location of the sale or other disposition, be entered in the acquisition and disposition records of the licensee, and retained on the premises specified on the license.
Every licensee shall maintain firearms and armor piercing ammunition records in such form and manner as is prescribed by subpart H of this part.
(a)
(1) Before the completion of the transfer, the licensee has contacted NICS;
(2)(i) NICS informs the licensee that it has no information that receipt of the firearm by the transferee would be in violation of Federal or State law and provides the licensee with a unique identification number; or
(ii) Three business days (meaning days on which State offices are open) have elapsed from the date the licensee contacted NICS and NICS has not notified the licensee that receipt of the firearm by the transferee would be in violation of law; and
(3) The licensee verifies the identity of the transferee by examining the identification document presented in accordance with the provisions of § 478.124(c).
A licensee contacts NICS on Thursday, and gets a “delayed” response. The licensee does not get a further response from NICS. If State offices are not open on Saturday and Sunday, 3 business days would have elapsed on the following Tuesday. The licensee may transfer the firearm on the next day, Wednesday.
(b)
(c)
A purchaser completes the Form 4473 on December 15, 1998, and a NICS check is initiated by the licensee on that date. The licensee is informed by NICS that the information available to the system does not indicate that receipt of the firearm by the transferee would be in violation of law, and a unique identification number is provided. However, the State imposes a 7-day waiting period on all firearms transactions, and the purchaser does not return to pick up the firearm until January 22, 1999. The licensee must conduct another
A purchaser completes the Form 4473 on January 25, 1999, and arranges for the purchase of a single firearm. A NICS check is initiated by the licensee on that date. The licensee is informed by NICS that the information available to the system does not indicate that receipt of the firearm by the transferee would be in violation of law, and a unique identification number is provided. The State imposes a 7-day waiting period on all firearms transactions, and the purchaser returns to pick up the firearm on February 15, 1999. Before the licensee executes the Form 4473, and the firearm is transferred, the purchaser decides to purchase an additional firearm. The transfer of these two firearms is considered a single transaction; accordingly, the licensee may add the second firearm to the Form 4473, and transfer that firearm without conducting another NICS check.
A purchaser completes a Form 4473 on February 15, 1999. The licensee receives a unique identification number from NICS on that date, the Form 4473 is executed by the licensee, and the firearm is transferred. On February 20, 1999, the purchaser returns to the licensee's premises and wishes to purchase a second firearm. The purchase of the second firearm is a separate transaction; thus, a new NICS check must be initiated by the licensee.
(d)
(1) The transferee has presented to the licensee a valid permit or license that—
(i) Allows the transferee to possess, acquire, or carry a firearm;
(ii) Was issued not more than 5 years earlier by the State in which the transfer is to take place; and
(iii) The law of the State provides that such a permit or license is to be issued only after an authorized government official has verified that the information available to such official does not indicate that possession of a firearm by the transferee would be in violation of Federal, State, or local law:
(2) The firearm is subject to the provisions of the National Firearms Act and has been approved for transfer under 27 CFR part 479; or
(3) On application of the licensee, in accordance with the provisions of § 478.150, the Director has certified that compliance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section is impracticable.
(e) The document referred to in paragraph (d)(1) of this section (or a copy thereof) shall be retained or the required information from the document shall be recorded on the firearms transaction record in accordance with the provisions of § 478.131.
(a) Each licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector who delivers a handgun to a nonlicensee shall provide such nonlicensee with written notification as described in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) The written notification (ATF I 5300.2) required by paragraph (a) of this section shall state as follows:
(1) The misuse of handguns is a leading contributor to juvenile violence and fatalities.
(2) Safely storing and securing firearms away from children will help prevent the unlawful possession of handguns by juveniles, stop accidents, and save lives.
(3) Federal law prohibits, except in certain limited circumstances, anyone under 18 years of age from knowingly possessing a handgun, or any person from transferring a handgun to a person under 18.
(4) A knowing violation of the prohibition against selling, delivering, or otherwise transferring a handgun to a person under the age of 18 is, under certain circumstances, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The Gun Control Act of 1968, 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, provides in pertinent part as follows:
(x)(1) It shall be unlawful for a person to sell, deliver, or otherwise transfer to a person who the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a juvenile—
(A) a handgun; or
(B) ammunition that is suitable for use only in a handgun.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person who is a juvenile to knowingly possess—
(A) a handgun; or
(B) ammunition that is suitable for use only in a handgun.
(3) This subsection does not apply to—
(A) a temporary transfer of a handgun or ammunition to a juvenile or to the possession or use of a handgun or ammunition by a juvenile if the handgun and ammunition are possessed and used by the juvenile—
(i) in the course of employment, in the course of ranching or farming related to activities at the residence of the juvenile (or on property used for ranching or farming at which the juvenile, with the permission of the property owner or lessee, is performing activities related to the operation of the farm or ranch), target practice, hunting, or a course of instruction in the safe and lawful use of a handgun;
(ii) with the prior written consent of the juvenile's parent or guardian who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing a firearm, except—
(I) during transportation by the juvenile of an unloaded handgun in a locked container directly from the place of transfer to a place at which an activity described in clause (i) is to take place and transportation by the juvenile of that handgun, unloaded and in a locked container, directly from the place at which such an activity took place to the transferor; or
(II) with respect to ranching or farming activities as described in clause (i) a juvenile may possess and use a handgun or ammunition with the prior written approval of the juvenile's parent or legal guardian and at the direction of an adult who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing a firearm;
(iii) the juvenile has the prior written consent in the juvenile's possession at all times when a handgun is in the possession of the juvenile; and
(iv) in accordance with State and local law;
(B) a juvenile who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard who possesses or is armed with a handgun in the line of duty;
(C) a transfer by inheritance of title (but not possession) of a handgun or ammunition to a juvenile; or
(D) the possession of a handgun or ammunition by a juvenile taken in defense of the juvenile or other persons against an intruder into the residence of the juvenile or a residence in which the juvenile is an invited guest.
(4) A handgun or ammunition, the possession of which is transferred to a juvenile in circumstances in which the transferor is not in violation of this subsection shall not be subject to permanent confiscation by the Government if its possession by the juvenile subsequently becomes unlawful because of the conduct of the juvenile, but shall be returned to the lawful owner when such handgun or ammunition is no longer required by the Government for the purposes of investigation or prosecution.
(5) For purposes of this subsection, the term “juvenile” means a person who is less than 18 years of age.
(6)(A) In a prosecution of a violation of this subsection, the court shall require the presence of a juvenile defendant's parent or legal guardian at all proceedings.
(B) The court may use the contempt power to enforce subparagraph (A).
(C) The court may excuse attendance of a parent or legal guardian of a juvenile defendant at a proceeding in a prosecution of a violation of this subsection for good cause shown.
(6)(A)(i) A juvenile who violates section 922(x) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, except that a juvenile described in clause (ii) shall be sentenced to probation on appropriate conditions and shall not be incarcerated unless the juvenile fails to comply with a condition of probation.
(ii) A juvenile is described in this clause if—
(I) the offense of which the juvenile is charged is possession of a handgun or ammunition in violation of section 922(x)(2); and
(II) the juvenile has not been convicted in any court of an offense (including an offense under section 922(x) or a similar State law, but not including any other offense consisting of conduct that if engaged in by an adult would not constitute an offense) or adjudicated as a juvenile delinquent for conduct that if engaged in by an adult would constitute an offense.
(B) A person other than a juvenile who knowingly violates section 922(x)—
(i) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both; and
(ii) if the person sold, delivered, or otherwise transferred a handgun or ammunition to a juvenile knowing or having reasonable cause to know that the juvenile intended to carry or otherwise possess or discharge or otherwise use the handgun or ammunition in the commission of a crime of violence, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
(c) This written notification shall be delivered to the nonlicensee on ATF I 5300.2, or in the alternative, the same written notification may be delivered to the nonlicensee on another type of
(d) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, each licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer who delivers a handgun to a nonlicensee shall display at its licensed premises (including temporary business locations at gun shows) a sign as described in paragraph (e) of this section. The sign shall be displayed where customers can readily see it. Licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers will be provided with such signs by ATF. Replacement signs may be requested from the ATF Distribution Center.
(e) The sign (ATF I 5300.1) required by paragraph (d) of this section shall state as follows:
(1) The misuse of handguns is a leading contributor to juvenile violence and fatalities.
(2) Safely storing and securing firearms away from children will help prevent the unlawful possession of handguns by juveniles, stop accidents, and save lives.
(3) Federal law prohibits, except in certain limited circumstances, anyone under 18 years of age from knowingly possessing a handgun, or any person from transferring a handgun to a person under 18.
(4) A knowing violation of the prohibition against selling, delivering, or otherwise transferring a handgun to a person under the age of 18 is, under certain circumstances, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
ATF I 5300.2 provides the complete language of the statutory prohibitions and exceptions provided in 18 U.S.C. 922(x) and the penalty provisions of 18 U.S.C. 924(a)(6). The Federal firearms licensee posting this sign will provide you with a copy of this publication upon request. Requests for additional copies of ATF I 5300.2 should be mailed to the ATF Distribution Center, P.O. Box 5950, Springfield, Virginia 22150-5950.
(f) The sign required by paragraph (d) of this section need not be posted on the premises of any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer whose only dispositions of handguns to nonlicensees are to nonlicensees who do not appear at the licensed premises and the dispositions otherwise comply with the provisions of this part.
(a) Section 922(a)(3) of the Act makes it unlawful, with certain exceptions not pertinent here, for any person other than a licensee to transport into or receive in the State where the person resides any firearm purchased or otherwise obtained by the person outside of that State. However, section 925(a)(4) provides a limited exception for the transportation, shipment, receipt or importation of certain firearms and ammunition by certain members of the United States Armed Forces. Section 922(1) of the Act makes it unlawful for any person knowingly to import or bring into the United States or any possession thereof any firearm or ammunition except as provided by section 925(d) of the Act, which section provides standards for importing or bringing firearms or ammunition into the United States. Section 925(d) also provides standards for importing or bringing firearm barrels into the United States. Accordingly, no firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition may be imported or brought into the United States except as provided by this part.
(b) Where a firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition is imported and the authorization for importation required by this subpart has not been obtained by the person importing same, such person shall:
(1) Store, at the person's expense, such firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition at a facility designated by U.S Customs or the Director of Industry Operations to await the issuance of the required authorization or other disposition; or
(2) Abandon such firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to the U.S. Government; or
(3) Export such firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition.
(c) Any inquiry relative to the provisions or procedures under this subpart, other than that pertaining to the payment of customs duties or the release from Customs custody of firearms, firearm barrels, or ammunition authorized by the Director to be imported, shall be directed to the Director of Industry Operations for reply.
(a) No firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition shall be imported or brought into the United States by a licensed importer (as defined in § 478.11) unless the Director has authorized the importation of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition.
(b)(1) An application for a permit, ATF Form 6—Part I, to import or bring a firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition into the United States or a possession thereof under this section must be filed, in triplicate, with the Director. The application must be signed and dated and must contain the information requested on the form, including:
(i) The name, address, telephone number, and license number (including expiration date) of the importer;
(ii) The country from which the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition is to be imported;
(iii) The name and address of the foreign seller and foreign shipper;
(iv) A description of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to be imported, including:
(A) The name and address of the manufacturer;
(B) The type (
(C) The caliber, gauge, or size;
(D) The model;
(E) The barrel length, if a firearm or firearm barrel (in inches);
(F) The overall length, if a firearm (in inches);
(G) The serial number, if known;
(H) Whether the firearm is new or used;
(I) The quantity;
(J) The unit cost of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to be imported;
(v) The specific purpose of importation, including final recipient information if different from the importer;
(vi) Verification that if a firearm, it will be identified as required by this part; and
(vii)(A) If a firearm or ammunition imported or brought in for scientific or research purposes, a statement describing such purpose; or
(B) If a firearm or ammunition for use in connection with competition or training pursuant to Chapter 401 of Title 10, U.S.C., a statement describing such intended use; or
(C) If an unserviceable firearm (other than a machine gun) being imported as a curio or museum piece, a description of how it was rendered unserviceable and an explanation of why it is a curio or museum piece; or
(D) If a firearm other than a surplus military firearm, of a type that does not fall within the definition of a firearm under section 5845(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and is for sporting purposes, an explanation of why the firearm is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes; or
(E) If ammunition being imported for sporting purposes, a statement why the ammunition is particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes; or
(F) If a firearm barrel for a handgun, an explanation why the handgun is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes.
(2)(i) If the Director approves the application, such approved application will serve as the permit to import the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition described therein, and importation of such firearms, firearm barrels, or ammunition may continue to be made by the licensed importer under the approved application (permit) during the period specified thereon. The Director will furnish the approved application (permit) to the applicant and retain two copies thereof for administrative use.
(ii) If the Director disapproves the application, the licensed importer will be notified of the basis for the disapproval.
(c) A firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition imported or brought into the United States or a possession thereof under the provisions of this section by a licensed importer may be released from Customs custody to the licensed importer upon showing that the importer has obtained a permit from the Director for the importation of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to be released. The importer will also submit to Customs a copy of the export license authorizing the export of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition from the exporting country. If the exporting country does not require issuance of an export license, the importer must submit a certification, under penalty of perjury, to that effect.
(1) In obtaining the release from Customs custody of a firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition authorized by this section to be imported through the use of a permit, the licensed importer will prepare ATF Form 6A, in duplicate, and furnish the original ATF Form 6A to the Customs officer releasing the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition. The Customs officer will, after certification, forward the ATF Form 6A to the address specified on the form.
(2) The ATF Form 6A must contain the information requested on the form, including:
(i) The name, address, and license number of the importer;
(ii) The name of the manufacturer of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition;
(iii) The country of manufacture;
(iv) The type;
(v) The model;
(vi) The caliber, gauge, or size;
(vii) The serial number in the case of firearms, if known; and
(viii) The number of firearms, firearm barrels, or rounds of ammunition released.
(d) Within 15 days of the date of release from Customs custody, the licensed importer must:
(1) Forward to the address specified on the form a copy of ATF Form 6A on which must be reported any error or discrepancy appearing on the ATF Form 6A certified by Customs and serial numbers if not previously provided on ATF Form 6A;
(2) Pursuant to § 478.92, place all required identification data on each imported firearm if same did not bear such identification data at the time of its release from Customs custody; and
(3) Post in the records required to be maintained by the importer under subpart H of this part all required information regarding the importation.
(a) No person other than a licensed importer (as defined in § 478.11) shall engage in the business of importing firearms or ammunition. Therefore, no firearm or ammunition shall be imported or brought into the United States or a possession thereof by any licensee other than a licensed importer unless the Director issues a permit authorizing the importation of the firearm or ammunition. No barrel for a handgun not generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes shall be imported or brought into the United States or a possession thereof by any person. Therefore, no firearm barrel shall be imported or brought into the United States or possession thereof by any licensee other than a licensed importer unless the Director issues a permit authorizing the importation of the firearm barrel.
(b)(1) An application for a permit, ATF Form 6—Part I, to import or bring a firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition into the United States or a possession thereof by a licensee, other than a licensed importer, must be filed, in triplicate, with the Director. The application must be signed and dated and must contain the information requested on the form, including:
(i) The name, address, telephone number, and license number (including expiration date) of the applicant;
(ii) The country from which the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition is to be imported;
(iii) The name and address of the foreign seller and foreign shipper;
(iv) A description of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to be imported, including:
(A) The name and address of the manufacturer;
(B) The type (e.g., rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver and, in the case of ammunition only, ball, wadcutter, shot, etc.);
(C) The caliber, gauge, or size;
(D) The model;
(E) The barrel length, if a firearm or firearm barrel (in inches);
(F) The overall length, if a firearm (in inches);
(G) The serial number, if known;
(H) Whether the firearm is new or used;
(I) The quantity;
(J) The unit cost of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to be imported;
(v) The specific purpose of importation, including final recipient information if different from the applicant; and
(vi)(A) If a firearm or ammunition imported or brought in for scientific or research purposes, a statement describing such purpose; or
(B) If a firearm or ammunition for use in connection with competition or training pursuant to Chapter 401 of Title 10, U.S.C., a statement describing such intended use; or
(C) If an unserviceable firearm (other than a machine gun) being imported as a curio or museum piece, a description of how it was rendered unserviceable and an explanation of why it is a curio or museum piece; or
(D) If a firearm other than a surplus military firearm, of a type that does not fall within the definition of a firearm under section 5845(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and is for sporting purposes, an explanation of why the firearm is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes; or
(E) If ammunition being imported for sporting purposes, a statement why the ammunition is particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes; or
(F) If a firearm barrel for a handgun, an explanation why the handgun is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes.
(2)(i) If the Director approves the application, such approved application will serve as the permit to import the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition described therein, and importation of such firearms, firearm barrels, or ammunition may continue to be made by the applicant under the approved application (permit) during the period specified thereon. The Director will furnish the approved application (permit) to the applicant and retain two copies thereof for administrative use.
(ii) If the Director disapproves the application, the applicant will be notified of the basis for the disapproval.
(c) A firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition imported or brought into the United States or a possession thereof under the provisions of this section may be released from Customs custody to the licensee upon showing that the licensee has obtained a permit from the Director for the importation of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to be released.
(1) In obtaining the release from Customs custody of a firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition authorized by this section to be imported through the use of a permit, the licensee will prepare ATF Form 6A, in duplicate, and furnish the original ATF Form 6A to the Customs officer releasing the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition. The Customs officer will, after certification, forward the ATF Form 6A to the address specified on the form.
(2) The ATF Form 6A must contain the information requested on the form, including:
(i) The name, address, and license number of the licensee;
(ii) The name of the manufacturer of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition;
(iii) The country of manufacture;
(iv) The type;
(v) The model;
(vi) The caliber, gauge, or size;
(vii) The serial number in the case of firearms; and
(viii) The number of firearms, firearm barrels, or rounds of ammunition released.
(a) A permit will not be issued for a firearm barrel for a handgun not generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. No firearm barrel shall be imported or brought into the United States or possession thereof by any nonlicensee unless the Director issues a permit authorizing the importation of the firearm barrel.
(b)(1) An application for a permit, ATF Form 6—Part I, to import or bring a firearm barrel into the United States or a possession thereof under this section must be filed, in triplicate, with the Director. The application must be signed and dated and must contain the information requested on the form, including:
(i) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant;
(ii) The country from which the firearm barrel is to be imported;
(iii) The name and address of the foreign seller and foreign shipper;
(iv) A description of the firearm barrel to be imported, including:
(A) The name and address of the manufacturer;
(B) The type (e.g., rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver);
(C) The caliber, gauge, or size;
(D) The model;
(E) The barrel length (in inches);
(F) The quantity;
(G) The unit cost of the firearm barrel;
(v) The specific purpose of importation, including final recipient information if different from the importer; and
(vi) If a handgun barrel, an explanation of why the barrel is for a handgun that is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes.
(2)(i) If the Director approves the application, such approved application will serve as the permit to import the firearm barrel, and importation of such firearm barrels may continue to be made by the applicant under the approved application (permit) during the period specified thereon. The Director will furnish the approved application (permit) to the applicant and retain two copies thereof for administrative use.
(ii) If the Director disapproves the application, the applicant will be notified of the basis for the disapproval.
(c) A firearm barrel imported or brought into the United States or a possession thereof under the provisions of this section may be released from Customs custody to the person importing the firearm barrel upon showing that the person has obtained a permit from the Director for the importation of the firearm barrel to be released.
(1) In obtaining the release from Customs custody of a firearm barrel authorized by this section to be imported through the use of a permit, the person importing the firearm barrel will prepare ATF Form 6A, in duplicate, and furnish the original ATF Form 6A to the Customs officer releasing the firearm barrel. The Customs officer will, after certification, forward the ATF Form 6A to the address specified on the form.
(2) The ATF Form 6A must contain the information requested on the form, including:
(i) The name and address of the person importing the firearm barrel;
(ii) The name of the manufacturer of the firearm barrel;
(iii) The country of manufacture;
(iv) The type;
(v) The model;
(vi) The caliber or gauge of the firearm barrel so released; and
(vii) The number of firearm barrels released.
(a) The Director may issue a permit authorizing the importation of a firearm or ammunition into the United States to the place of residence of any military member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is on active duty outside the United States, or who has been on active duty outside the United States within the 60-day period immediately preceding the intended importation:
(1) An application for a permit, ATF Form 6—Part II, to import a firearm or ammunition into the United States under this section must be filed, in triplicate, with the Director. The application must be signed and dated and must contain the information requested on the form, including:
(i) The name, current address, and telephone number of the applicant;
(ii) Certification that the transportation, receipt, or possession of the firearm or ammunition to be imported would not constitute a violation of any provision of the Act or of any State law or local ordinance at the place of the applicant's residence;
(iii) The country from which the firearm or ammunition is to be imported;
(iv) The name and address of the foreign seller and foreign shipper;
(v) A description of the firearm or ammunition to be imported, including:
(A) The name and address of the manufacturer;
(B) The type (e.g., rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver and, in the case of ammunition only, ball, wadcutter, shot, etc.);
(C) The caliber, gauge, or size;
(D) The model;
(E) The barrel length, if a firearm (in inches);
(F) The overall length, if a firearm (in inches);
(G) The serial number;
(H) Whether the firearm is new or used;
(I) The quantity;
(J) The unit cost of the firearm or ammunition to imported;
(vi) The specific purpose of importation, that is—
(A) That the firearm or ammunition being imported is for the personal use of the applicant; and
(B) If a firearm, a statement that it is not a surplus military firearm, that it does not fall within the definition of a firearm under section 5845(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and an explanation of why the firearm is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes; or
(C) If ammunition, a statement why it is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes; and
(vii) The applicant's date of birth;
(viii) The applicant's rank or grade;
(ix) The applicant's place of residence;
(x) The applicant's present foreign duty station or last foreign duty station, as the case may be;
(xi) The date of the applicant's reassignment to a duty station within the United States, if applicable; and
(xii) The military branch of which the applicant is a member.
(2)(i) If the Director approves the application, such approved application will serve as the permit to import the firearm or ammunition described therein. The Director will furnish the approved application (permit) to the applicant and retain two copies thereof for administrative use.
(ii) If the Director disapproves the application, the applicant will be notified of the basis for the disapproval.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, a firearm or ammunition imported into the United States under the provisions of this section by the applicant may be released from Customs custody to the applicant upon showing that the applicant has obtained a permit from the Director for the importation of the firearm or ammunition to be released.
(1) In obtaining the release from Customs custody of a firearm or ammunition authorized by this section to be imported through the use of a permit, the military member of the U.S. Armed Forces will prepare ATF Form 6A and furnish the completed form to the Customs officer releasing the firearm or
(2) The ATF Form 6A must contain the information requested on the form, including:
(i) The name and address of the military member;
(ii) The name of the manufacturer of the firearm or ammunition;
(iii) The country of manufacture;
(iv) The type;
(v) The model;
(vi) The caliber, gauge, or size;
(vii) The serial number in the case of firearms; and
(viii) If applicable, the number of firearms or rounds of ammunition released.
(3) When such military member is on active duty outside the United States, the military member may appoint, in writing, an agent to obtain the release of the firearm or ammunition from Customs custody for such member. Such agent will present sufficient identification of the agent and the written authorization to act on behalf of such military member to the Customs officer who is to release the firearm or ammunition.
(c) Firearms determined by the Department of Defense to be war souvenirs may be imported into the United States by the military members of the U.S. Armed Forces under such provisions and procedures as the Department of Defense may issue.
(a) Firearms and ammunition may be brought into the United States or any possession thereof by any person who can establish to the satisfaction of Customs that such firearm or ammunition was previously taken out of the United States or any possession thereof by such person. Registration on Customs Form 4457 or on any other registration document available for this purpose may be completed before departure from the United States at any U.S. customhouse or any office of an Director of Industry Operations. A bill of sale or other commercial document showing transfer of the firearm or ammunition in the United States to such person also may be used to establish proof that the firearm or ammunition was taken out of the United States by such person. Firearms and ammunition furnished under the provisions of section 925(a)(3) of the Act to military members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty outside of the United States also may be imported into the United States or any possession thereof by such military members upon establishing to the satisfaction of Customs that such firearms and ammunition were so obtained.
(b) Firearms, firearm barrels, and ammunition may be imported or brought into the United States by or for the United States or any department or agency thereof, or any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof. A firearm, firearm barrel or ammunition imported or brought into the United States under this paragraph may be released from Customs custody upon a showing that the firearm, firearm barrel or ammunition is being imported or brought into the United States by or for such a governmental entity.
(c) The provisions of this subpart shall not apply with respect to the importation into the United States of any antique firearm.
(d) Firearms and ammunition are not imported into the United States, and the provisions of this subpart shall not apply, when such firearms and ammunition are brought into the United States by:
(1) A nonresident of the United States for legitimate hunting or lawful sporting purposes, and such firearms and such ammunition as remains following such shooting activity are to be taken back out of the territorial limits of the United States by such person upon conclusion of the shooting activity;
(2) Foreign military personnel on official assignment to the United States who bring such firearms or ammunition into the United States for their
(3) Official representatives of foreign governments who are accredited to the U.S. Government or are en route to or from other countries to which accredited, and such firearms and unexpended ammunition are taken back out of the territorial limits of the United States by such official representatives of foreign governments when they leave the United States;
(4) Officials of foreign governments and distinguished foreign visitors who have been so designated by the Department of State, and such firearms and unexpended ammunition are taken back out of the territorial limits of the United States by such officials of foreign governments and distinguished foreign visitors when they leave the United States; and
(5) Foreign law enforcement officers of friendly foreign governments entering the United States on official law enforcement business, and such firearms and unexpended ammunition are taken back out of the territorial limits of the United States by such foreign law enforcement officers when they leave the United States.
(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (d) (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of this section, the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate may in the interest of public safety and necessity require a permit for the importation or bringing into the United States of any firearms or ammunition.
The Director shall permit the conditional importation or bringing into the United States or any possession thereof of any firearm, firearm barrel, ammunition, or ammunition feeding device as defined in § 478.119(b) for the purpose of examining and testing the firearm, firearm barrel, ammunition, or ammunition feeding device in connection with making a determination as to whether the importation or bringing in of such firearm, firearm barrel, ammunition, or ammunition feeding device will be authorized under this part. An application on ATF Form 6 for such conditional importation shall be filed, in duplicate, with the Director. The Director may impose conditions upon any importation under this section including a requirement that the firearm, firearm barrel, ammunition, or ammunition feeding device be shipped directly from Customs custody to the Director and that the person importing or bringing in the firearm, firearm barrel, ammunition, or ammunition feeding device must agree to either export the firearm, firearm barrel, ammunition, or ammunition feeding device or destroy same if a determination is made that the firearm, firearm barrel, ammunition, or ammunition feeding device may not be imported or brought in under this part. A firearm, firearm barrel, ammunition, or ammunition feeding device imported or brought into the United States or any possession thereof under the provisions of this section shall be released from Customs custody upon the payment of customs duties, if applicable, and in the manner prescribed in the conditional authorization issued by the Director.
In the insular possessions of the United States outside customs territory, the functions performed by U.S. Customs officers under this subpart within a customs territory may be performed by the appropriate authorities of a territorial government or other officers of the United States who have been designated to perform such functions. For the purpose of this subpart, the term customs territory means the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, a licensed importer may
(a) No ammunition feeding device shall be imported or brought into the United States unless the Director has authorized the importation of such device.
(b) For purposes of this section, an “ammunition feeding device” is a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device for a firearm that has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The term does not include an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition, or a fixed device for a manually operated firearm, or a fixed device for a firearm listed in 18 U.S.C. 922, Appendix A.
(c) An application for a permit, ATF Form 6, to import or bring an ammunition feeding device into the United States or a possession thereof under this section shall be filed, in triplicate, with the Director. The application shall contain:
(1) The name and address of the person importing the device,
(2) A description of the device to be imported, including type and cartridge capacity, model and caliber of firearm for which the device was made, country of manufacture, and name of the manufacturer if known,
(3) The unit cost of the device to be imported,
(4) The country from which to be imported,
(5) The name and address of the foreign seller and the foreign shipper,
(6) Verification that such device will be marked as required by this part, and
(7) A statement by the importer that the device is being imported for sale to purchasers specified in § 478.40a(b) or physical or reasonable documentary evidence establishing that the magazine was manufactured on or before September 13, 1994. Any one of the following examples, which are not meant to be exhaustive, may be sufficient to establish the time of manufacture:
(i) Permanent markings or physical characteristics which establish that the magazine was manufactured on or before September 13, 1994;
(ii) A certification from the importer, under penalty of perjury, that the importer maintained continuous custody beginning on a date prior to September 14, 1994, and continuing until the date of the certification. Such certification shall also be supported by reasonable documentary evidence, such as commercial records;
(iii) A certification from the importer, under penalty of perjury, that the magazines sought to be imported were in the custody and control of a foreign Government on or before September 13, 1994, along with reasonable documentary evidence to support the certification; or
(iv) A certification from the importer, under penalty of perjury, that the magazine was in the possession of a foreign arms supplier on or before September 13, 1994, along with reasonable documentary evidence to support the certification.
(d) The Director shall act upon applications to import ammunition feeding devices as expeditiously as possible. If the Director approves the application, such approved application shall serve as the permit to import the device described therein, and importation of such devices may continue to be made by the person importing such devices under the approved application (permit) during the period specified thereon. The Director shall furnish the approved application (permit) to the applicant and retain two copies thereof for administrative use. If the Director disapproves the application, the person
(e) An ammunition feeding device imported or brought into the United States by a person importing such a device may be released from Customs custody to the person importing such a device upon showing that such person has obtained a permit from the Director for the importation of the device to be released. In obtaining the release from Customs custody of such a device authorized by this section to be imported through use of a permit, the person importing such a device shall prepare ATF Form 6A, in duplicate, and furnish the original ATF Form 6A to the Customs officer releasing the device. The Customs officer shall, after certification, forward the ATF Form 6A to the address specified on the form. The ATF Form 6A shall show the name and address of the person importing the device, the name of the manufacturer of the device, the country of manufacture, the type, model, caliber, size, and the number of devices released.
(f) Within 15 days of the date of release from Customs custody, the person importing such a device shall:
(1) Forward to the address specified on the form a copy of ATF Form 6A on which shall be reported any error or discrepancy appearing on the ATF Form 6A certified by Customs, and
(2) Pursuant to § 478.92, place all required identification data on each imported device manufactured after September 13, 1994, if same did not bear such identification data at the time of its release from Customs custody.
(g) The Director may authorize the conditional importation of an ammunition feeding device as provided in § 478.116.
(a) Any nonimmigrant alien who completes an ATF Form 6 to import firearms or ammunition into the United States, or any licensee who completes an ATF Form 6 to import firearms or ammunition for a nonimmigrant alien, must attach applicable documentation to the Form 6 (e.g., a hunting license or permit lawfully issued in the United States; waiver) establishing the nonimmigrant alien falls within an exception to or has obtained a waiver from the nonimmigrant alien prohibition.
(b) Nonimmigrant aliens importing or bringing firearms or ammunition into the United States must provide the United States Customs Service with applicable documentation (e.g., a hunting license or permit lawfully issued in the United States; waiver) establishing the nonimmigrant alien falls within an exception to or has obtained a waiver from the nonimmigrant alien prohibition before the firearm or ammunition may be imported. This provision applies in all cases, whether or not a Form 6 is needed to bring the firearms or ammunition into the United States.
(a) The records pertaining to firearms transactions prescribed by this part shall be retained on the licensed premises in the manner prescribed by this subpart and for the length of time prescribed by § 478.129. The records pertaining to ammunition prescribed by this part shall be retained on the licensed premises in the manner prescribed by § 478.125.
(b) ATF officers may, for the purposes and under the conditions prescribed in § 478.23, enter the premises of any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector for the purpose of examining
(c) Each licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, and licensed collector shall maintain such records of importation, production, shipment, receipt, sale, or other disposition, whether temporary or permanent, of firearms and such records of the disposition of ammunition as the regulations contained in this part prescribe. Section 922(m) of the Act makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector knowingly to make any false entry in, to fail to make appropriate entry in, or to fail to properly maintain any such record.
(d) For recordkeeping requirements for sales by licensees at gun shows see § 478.100(c).
(a) Each licensed importer shall, within 15 days of the date of importation or other acquisition, record the type, model, caliber or gauge, manufacturer, country of manufacture, and the serial number of each firearm imported or otherwise acquired, and the date such importation or other acquisition was made.
(b) A record of firearms disposed of by a licensed importer to another licensee and a separate record of armor piercing ammunition dispositions to governmental entities, for exportation, or for testing or experimentation authorized under the provisions of § 478.149 shall be maintained by the licensed importer on the licensed premises. For firearms, the record shall show the quantity, type, manufacturer, country of manufacture, caliber or gauge, model, serial number of the firearms so transferred, the name and license number of the licensee to whom the firearms were transferred, and the date of the transaction. For armor piercing ammunition, the record shall show the date of the transaction, manufacturer, caliber or gauge, quantity of projectiles, and the name and address of the purchaser. The information required by this paragraph shall be entered in the proper record book not later than the seventh day following the date of the transaction, and such information shall be recorded under the following formats:
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, the Director of Industry Operations may authorize alternate records to be maintained by a licensed importer to record the disposal of firearms and armor piercing ammunition when it is shown by the licensed importer that such alternate records will accurately and readily disclose the information required by paragraph (b) of this section. A licensed importer who proposes to use alternate
(d) Each licensed importer shall maintain separate records of the sales or other dispositions made of firearms to nonlicensees. Such records shall be maintained in the form and manner as prescribed by §§ 478.124 and 478.125 in regard to firearms transaction records and records of acquisition and disposition of firearms.
(a) Each licensed manufacturer shall record the type, model, caliber or gauge, and serial number of each complete firearm manufactured or otherwise acquired, and the date such manufacture or other acquisition was made. The information required by this paragraph shall be recorded not later than the seventh day following the date such manufacture or other acquisition was made.
(b) A record of firearms disposed of by a manufacturer to another licensee and a separate record of armor piercing ammunition dispositions to governmental entities, for exportation, or for testing or experimentation authorized under the provision of § 478.149 shall be maintained by the licensed manufacturer on the licensed premises. For firearms, the record shall show the quantity, type, model, manufacturer, caliber, size or gauge, serial number of the firearms so transferred, the name and license number of the licensee to whom the firearms were transferred, and the date of the transaction. For armor piercing ammunition, the record shall show the manufacturer, caliber or gauge, quantity, the name and address of the transferee to whom the armor piercing ammunition was transferred, and the date of the transaction. The information required by this paragraph shall be entered in the proper record book not later than the seventh day following the date of the transaction, and such information shall be recorded under the format prescribed by § 478.122, except that the name of the manufacturer of a firearm or armor piercing ammunition need not be recorded if the firearm or armor piercing ammunition is of the manufacturer's own manufacture.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, the Director of Industry Operations may authorize alternate records to be maintained by a licensed manufacturer to record the disposal of firearms and armor piercing ammunition when it is shown by the licensed manufacturer that such alternate records will accurately and readily disclose the information required by paragraph (b) of this section. A licensed manufacturer who proposes to use alternate records shall submit a letter application, in duplicate, to the Director of Industry Operations and shall describe the proposed alternate record and the need therefor. Such alternate records shall not be employed by the licensed manufacturer until approval in such regard is received from the Director of Industry Operations.
(d) Each licensed manufacturer shall maintain separate records of the sales or other dispositions made of firearms to nonlicensees. Such records shall be maintained in the form and manner as prescribed by §§ 478.124 and 478.125 in regard to firearms transaction records and records of acquisition and disposition of firearms.
(a) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer shall not sell or otherwise dispose, temporarily or permanently, of any firearm to any person, other than another licensee, unless the licensee records the transaction on a firearms transaction record, Form 4473:
(b) A licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer shall retain in alphabetical (by name of purchaser), chronological (by date of disposition), or numerical (by transaction serial number) order, and as a part of the required records, each Form 4473 obtained in the course of transferring custody of the firearms.
(c)(1) Prior to making an over-the-counter transfer of a firearm to a nonlicensee who is a resident of the State in which the licensee's business premises is located, the licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer so transferring the firearm shall obtain a Form 4473 from the transferee showing the transferee's name, sex, residence address (including county or similar political subdivision), date and place of birth; height, weight and race of the transferee; the transferee's country of citizenship; the transferee's INS-issued alien number or admission number; the transferee's State of residence; and certification by the transferee that the transferee is not prohibited by the Act from transporting or shipping a firearm in interstate or foreign commerce or receiving a firearm which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce or possessing a firearm in or affecting commerce.
(2) In order to facilitate the transfer of a firearm and enable NICS to verify the identity of the person acquiring the firearm, ATF Form 4473 also requests certain optional information. This information includes the transferee's social security number. Such information may help avoid the possibility of the transferee being misidentified as a felon or other prohibited person.
(3) After the transferee has executed the Form 4473, the licensee:
(i) Shall verify the identity of the transferee by examining the identification document (as defined in § 478.11) presented, and shall note on the Form 4473 the type of identification used;
(ii) Shall, in the case of a transferee who is an alien legally in the United States, cause the transferee to present documentation establishing that the transferee is a resident of the State (as defined in § 478.11) in which the licensee's business premises is located, and shall note on the form the documentation used. Examples of acceptable documentation include utility bills or a lease agreement which show that the transferee has resided in the State continuously for at least 90 days prior to the transfer of the firearm; and
(iii) Must, in the case of a transferee who is a nonimmigrant alien who states that he or she falls within an exception to, or has a waiver from, the nonimmigrant alien prohibition, have the transferee present applicable documentation establishing the exception or waiver, note on the Form 4473 the type of documentation provided, and attach a copy of the documentation to the Form 4473.
(iv) Shall comply with the requirements of § 478.102 and record on the form the date on which the licensee contacted the NICS, as well as any response provided by the system, including any identification number provided by the system.
(4) The licensee shall identify the firearm to be transferred by listing on the Form 4473 the name of the manufacturer, the name of the importer (if any), the type, model, caliber or gauge, and the serial number of the firearm.
(5) The licensee shall sign and date the form if the licensee does not know or have reasonable cause to believe that the transferee is disqualified by law from receiving the firearm and transfer the firearm described on the Form 4473.
(d) Prior to making an over-the-counter transfer of a shotgun or rifle under the provisions contained in § 478.96(c) to a nonlicensee who is not a resident of the State in which the licensee's business premises is located, the licensee so transferring the shotgun or rifle, and such transferee, shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section:
(e) Prior to making a transfer of a firearm to any nonlicensee who is not a resident of the State in which the licensee's business premises is located, and such nonlicensee is acquiring the firearm by loan or rental from the licensee for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes, the licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer so furnishing the firearm, and such transferee, shall comply with the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section, except for the provisions of paragraph (c)(3)(ii).
(f) Form 4473 shall be submitted, in duplicate, to a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer by a transferee who is purchasing or otherwise acquiring a firearm by other than an over-the-counter transaction, who is not subject to the provisions of § 478.102(a), and who is a resident of the State in which the licensee's business premises are located. The Form 4473 shall show the name, address, date and place of birth, height, weight, and race of the transferee; and the title, name, and address of the principal law enforcement officer of the locality to which the firearm will be delivered. The transferee also must date and execute the sworn statement contained on the form showing, in case the firearm to be transferred is a firearm other than a shotgun or rifle, the transferee is 21 years or more of age; in case the firearm to be transferred is a shotgun or rifle, the transferee is 18 years or more of age; whether the transferee is a citizen of the United States; the transferee's State of residence, and in the case of a transferee who is an alien legally in the United States, the transferee has resided in that State continuously for at least 90 days prior to the transfer of the firearm; the transferee is not prohibited by the provisions of the Act from shipping or transporting a firearm in interstate or foreign commerce or receiving a firearm which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce or possessing a firearm in or affecting commerce; and the transferee's receipt of the firearm would not be in violation of any statute of the State or published ordinance applicable to the locality in which the transferee resides. Upon receipt of such Forms 4473, the licensee shall identify the firearm to be transferred by listing in the Forms 4473 the name of the manufacturer, the name of the importer (if any), the type, model, caliber or gauge, and the serial number of the firearm to be transferred. The licensee shall prior to shipment or delivery of the firearm to such transferee, forward by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) a copy of the Form 4473 to the principal law enforcement officer named in the Form 4473 by the transferee, and shall delay shipment or delivery of the firearm to the transferee for a period of at least 7 days following receipt by the licensee of the return receipt evidencing delivery of the copy of the Form 4473 to such principal law enforcement officer, or the return of the copy of the Form 4473 to the licensee due to the refusal of such principal law enforcement officer to accept same in accordance with U.S. Postal Service regulations. The original Form 4473, and evidence of receipt or rejection of delivery of the copy of the Form 4473 sent to the principal law enforcement officer, shall be retained by the licensee as a part of the records required to be kept under this subpart.
(g) A licensee who sells or otherwise disposes of a firearm to a nonlicensee who is other than an individual, shall obtain from the transferee the information required by this section from an individual authorized to act on behalf of the transferee. In addition, the licensee shall obtain from the individual acting on behalf of the transferee a written statement, executed under the penalties of perjury, that the firearm is being acquired for the use of and will be the property of the transferee, and showing the name and address of that transferee.
(h) The requirements of this section shall be in addition to any other recordkeeping requirement contained in this part.
(i) A licensee may obtain, upon request, an emergency supply of Forms
(a) A licensed dealer acquiring firearms after August 1, 1988 and contemplating the disposition of not more than 50 firearms within a succeeding 12-month period to licensees or nonlicensees may maintain a record of the acquisition and disposition of such firearms on a firearms transaction record, Form 4473(LV), Part I or II, in lieu of the records prescribed by § 478.125. Such 12-month period shall commence from the date the licensed dealer first records the purchase or other acquisition of a firearm on Form 4473(LV) pursuant to this section. A licensed dealer who maintains records pursuant to this section, but whose firearms dispositions exceed 50 firearms within such 12-month period, shall make and maintain the acquisition and disposition records required by § 478.125 with respect to each firearm exceeding 50.
(b) Each licensed dealer maintaining firearms acquisition and disposition records pursuant to this section shall record the purchase or other acquisition of a firearm on Form 4473(LV), Part I or II, in accordance with the instructions on the form not later than the close of the next business day following the date of such purchase or acquisition. However, when disposition is made of a firearm before the close of the next business day after the receipt of that firearm, the licensed dealer making such disposition shall enter all required acquisition information regarding the firearm on the Form 4473(LV) at the time such transfer or disposition is made. The record on Form 4473(LV) shall show the date of receipt, the name and address or the name and license number of the person from whom received, the name of the manufacturer and importer (if any), the model, serial number, type, and caliber or gauge of the firearm.
(c) Each licensed dealer maintaining firearms acquisition and disposition records pursuant to this section shall retain Form 4473(LV), Part I or II, reflecting firearms possessed by such business in chronological (by date of receipt) or numerical (by transaction serial number) order. Forms 4473(LV) reflecting the licensee's sale or disposition of firearms shall be retained in alphabetical (by name of purchaser), chronological (by date of disposition) or numerical (by transaction serial number) order.
(d) A licensed dealer maintaining records pursuant to this section shall record the sale or other disposition of a firearm to another licensee by entering on the Form 4473(LV), Part I, associated with such firearm, the name and license number of the person to whom transferred and by signing and dating the form.
(e) A licensed dealer shall obtain the Form 4473(LV), Part I, associated with the firearm in lieu of a Form 4473 and comply with the requirements specified in § 478.124(c) prior to making an over-the-counter transfer of a firearm to a nonlicensee:
(1) Who is a resident of the State in which the licensee's business premises is located,
(2) Who is not a resident of the State in which the licensee's business premises is located and the firearm is a shotgun or rifle and the transfer is under the provisions of § 478.96(c), or
(3) Who is not a resident of the State in which the licensee's business premises is located and who is acquiring the firearm by loan or rental for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes.
(f) A licensed dealer shall obtain the Form 4473(LV), Part II, associated with the firearm in lieu of a Form 4473 and comply with the requirements specified
(a)
(1) The date of the transaction;
(2) The name of the manufacturer;
(3) The caliber or gauge;
(4) The quantity of projectiles;
(5) The name, address, and date of birth of the nonlicensee; and
(6) The method used to establish the identity of the armor piercing ammunition purchaser.
The format required for the bound record is as follows:
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Maintained by the licensed collector separate from other commercial documents maintained by such licensee, and
(2) Is readily available for inspection on the licensed premises until such time as the required entry into the bound record is made.
(e)
(f)
(1) Cause the transferee, if other than a licensee, to be identified in any manner customarily used in commercial transactions (e.g., a driver's license), and note on the record the method used, and
(2) In the case of a transferee who is an alien legally in the United States and who is other than a licensee—
(i) Verify the identity of the transferee by examining an identification document (as defined in § 478.11), and
(ii) Cause the transferee to present documentation establishing that the transferee is a resident of the State (as defined in § 478.11) in which the licensee's business premises is located if the firearm curio or relic is other than a shotgun or rifle, and note on the record the documentation used or is a resident of any State and has resided in such State continuously for at least 90 days prior to the transfer of the firearm if the firearm curio or relic is a shotgun or rifle and shall note on the record the documentation used. Examples of acceptable documentation include utility bills or a lease agreement which show that the transferee has resided in the State continuously for at least 90 days prior to the transfer of the firearm curio or relic.
(3) The format required for the record of receipt and disposition of firearms by collectors is as follows:
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subpart, a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer is not required to comply with the provisions of § 478.102 or record on a firearms transaction record, Form 4473, the sale or other disposition of a firearm maintained as part of the licensee's personal firearms collection:
(1) The licensee has maintained the firearm as part of such collection for 1 year from the date the firearm was transferred from the business inventory into the personal collection or otherwise acquired as a personal firearm,
(2) The licensee recorded in the bound record prescribed by § 478.125(e) the receipt of the firearm into the business inventory or other acquisition,
(3) The licensee recorded the firearm as a disposition in the bound record prescribed by § 478.125(e) when the firearm was transferred from the business inventory into the personal firearms collection or otherwise acquired as a personal firearm, and
(4) The licensee enters the sale or other disposition of the firearm from the personal firearms collection into a bound record, under the format prescribed below, identifying the firearm transferred by recording the name of the manufacturer and importer (if any), the model, serial number, type, and the caliber or gauge, and showing the date of the sale or other disposition, the name and address of the transferee, or the name and business address of the transferee if such person is a licensee, and the date of birth of the transferee if other than a licensee. In addition, the licensee shall cause the transferee, if other than a licensee, to be identified in any manner customarily used in commercial transactions (e.g., a drivers license). The format required for the disposition record of personal firearms is as follows:
(b) Any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer selling or otherwise disposing of a firearm from the licensee's personal firearms collection under this section shall be subject to the restrictions imposed by the Act and this part on the dispositions of firearms by persons other than licensed manufacturers, licensed importers, and licensed dealers.
(a) Each licensee shall, when required by letter issued by the Director of Industry Operations, and until notified to the contrary in writing by such officer, submit on Form 4483, Report of Firearms Transactions, for the periods and at the times specified in the letter issued by the Director of Industry Operations, all record information required by this subpart, or such lesser record information as the Director of Industry Operations in his letter may specify.
(b) The Director of Industry Operations may authorize the information to be submitted in a manner other than that prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section when it is shown by a licensee that an alternate method of reporting is reasonably necessary and will not unduly hinder the effective administration of this part. A licensee who proposes to use an alternate method of reporting shall submit a letter application, in duplicate, to the Director of Industry Operations and shall describe the proposed alternate method of reporting and the need therefor. An alternate method of reporting shall not be employed by the licensee until approval in such regard is received from the Director of Industry Operations.
Each licensee shall prepare a report of multiple sales or other disposition whenever the licensee sells or otherwise disposes of, at one time or during any five consecutive business days, two or more pistols, or revolvers, or any combination of pistols and revolvers totaling two or more, to an unlicensed person:
A licensee sells a pistol and revolver in a single transaction to an unlicensed person. This is a multiple sale and
A licensee sells a pistol on Monday and sells a revolver on the following Friday to the same unlicensed person. This is a multiple sale and must be reported not later than the close of business on Friday. If the licensee sells the same unlicensed person another pistol or revolver on the following Monday, this would constitute an additional multiple sale and must also be reported.
A licensee maintaining business hours on Monday through Saturday sells a revolver to an unlicensed person on Monday and sells another revolver to the same person on the following Saturday. This does not constitute a multiple sale and need not be reported since the sales did not occur during five consecutive business days.
Where a licensed business is discontinued and succeeded by a new licensee, the records prescribed by this subpart shall appropriately reflect such facts and shall be delivered to the successor. Where discontinuance of the business is absolute, the records shall be delivered within 30 days following the business discontinuance to the ATF Out-of-Business Records Center, 244 Needy Road, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25405, or to any ATF office in the division in which the business was located:
(a) Any person who knowingly makes any false statement or representation in applying for any license or exemption or relief from disability, under the provisions of the Act, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
(b) Any person other than a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector who knowingly makes any false statement or representation with respect to any information required by the provisions of the Act or this part to be kept in the records of a person licensed under the Act or this part shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
(c) Any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector who knowingly makes any false statement or representation with respect to any information required by the provisions of the Act or this part to be kept in the records of a person licensed under the Act or this part shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a)(1) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer whose sale, delivery, or transfer of a firearm is made pursuant to the alternative provisions of § 478.102(d) and is not subject to the NICS check prescribed by § 478.102(a) shall maintain the records required by paragraph (a) of this section.
(2) If the transfer is pursuant to a permit or license in accordance with § 478.102(d)(1), the licensee shall either retain a copy of the purchaser's permit or license and attach it to the firearms transaction record, Form 4473, or record on the firearms transaction record, Form 4473, any identifying number, the date of issuance, and the expiration date (if provided) from the permit or license.
(3) If the transfer is pursuant to a certification by ATF in accordance with §§ 478.102(d)(3) and 478.150, the licensee shall maintain the certification as part of the records required to be kept under this subpart and for the period prescribed for the retention of Form 5300.35 in § 478.129(c).
(b) The requirements of this section shall be in addition to any other recordkeeping requirements contained in this part.
Licensed manufacturers, licensed importers, and licensed dealers in semiautomatic assault weapons, as well as persons who manufacture, import, or deal in large capacity ammunition feeding devices, may transfer such weapons and devices manufactured after September 13, 1994, to law enforcement officers and to employees or contractors of nuclear facilities with the following documentation:
(a)
(2) A written statement from a supervisor of the purchasing officer, on agency letterhead, under penalty of perjury, stating that the purchasing officer is acquiring the weapon or device for use in official duties, that the firearm is suitable for use in performing official duties, and that the weapon or device is not being acquired for personal use or for purposes of transfer or resale.
(b)
(2) A written statement from the purchasing employee or contractor under penalty of perjury, stating that the weapon or device is being purchased for one of the purposes authorized in §§ 478.40(b)(7) and 478.40(b)(3), i.e., on-site physical protection, on-site or off-site training, or off-site transportation of nuclear materials.
(3) A written statement from a supervisor of the purchasing employee or contractor, on agency or company letterhead, under penalty of perjury, stating that the purchasing employee or contractor is acquiring the weapon or device for use in official duties, and that the weapon or device is not being acquired for personal use or for purposes of transfer or resale.
The evidence specified in § 478.40(c), relating to transactions in semiautomatic assault weapons, shall be retained in the permanent records of the manufacturer or dealer and in the records of the licensee to whom the weapons are transferred.
(a) Law enforcement officers purchasing firearms for official use who provide the licensee with a certification on agency letterhead, signed by a person in authority within the agency (other than the officer purchasing the firearm), stating that the officer will use the firearm in official duties and that a records check reveals that the purchasing officer has no convictions for misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence are not required to complete Form 4473 or Form 5300.35. The law enforcement officer purchasing the firearm may purchase a firearm from a licensee in another State, regardless of where the officer resides or where the agency is located.
(b)(1) The following individuals are considered to have sufficient authority to certify that law enforcement officers purchasing firearms will use the firearms in the performance of official duties:
(i) In a city or county police department, the director of public safety or the chief or commissioner of police.
(ii) In a sheriff's office, the sheriff.
(iii) In a State police or highway patrol department, the superintendent or the supervisor in charge of the office to which the State officer or employee is assigned.
(iv) In Federal law enforcement offices, the supervisor in charge of the office to which the Federal officer or employee is assigned.
(2) An individual signing on behalf of the person in authority is acceptable, provided there is a proper delegation of authority.
(c) Licensees are not required to prepare a Form 4473 or Form 5300.35 covering sales of firearm made in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section to law enforcement officers for official use. However, disposition to the officer must be entered into the licensee's permanent records, and the certification letter must be retained in the licensee's files.
With the exception of §§ 478.32(a)(9) and (d)(9) and 478.99(c)(9), the provisions of this part shall not apply with respect to:
(a) The transportation, shipment, receipt, possession, or importation of any firearm or ammunition imported for, sold or shipped to, or issued for the use of, the United States or any department or agency thereof or any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof.
(b) The shipment or receipt of firearms or ammunition when sold or issued by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to section 4308 of Title 10, U.S.C., and the transportation of any such firearm or ammunition carried out to enable a person, who lawfully received such firearm or ammunition from the Secretary of the Army, to engage in military training or in competitions.
(c) The shipment, unless otherwise prohibited by the Act or any other Federal law, by a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty outside the United States or to clubs, recognized by the Department of Defense, whose entire membership is composed of such members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and such members or clubs may receive a firearm or ammunition determined by the Director to be generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes and intended for the personal use of such member or club. Before making a shipment of firearms or ammunition under the provisions of this paragraph, a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer may submit a written request, in duplicate, to the Director for a determination by the Director whether such shipment would constitute a violation of the Act or any other Federal law, or whether the firearm or ammunition is considered by the Director to be generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes.
(d) The transportation, shipment, receipt, possession, or importation of any antique firearm.
(a) A pardon granted by the President of the United States regarding a Federal conviction for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year shall remove any disability which otherwise would be imposed by the provisions of this part with respect to that conviction.
(b) A pardon granted by the Governor of a State or other State pardoning authority or by the pardoning authority of a foreign jurisdiction with respect to a conviction, or any expunction, reversal, setting aside of a conviction, or other proceeding rendering a conviction nugatory, or a restoration of civil rights shall remove any disability which otherwise would be imposed by the provisions of this part with respect to the conviction, unless:
(1) The pardon, expunction, setting aside, or other proceeding rendering a conviction nugatory, or restoration of civil rights expressly provides that the person may not ship, transport, possess or receive firearms; or
(2) The pardon, expunction, setting aside, or other proceeding rendering a conviction nugatory, or restoration of
A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector who is indicted for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year may, notwithstanding any other provision of the Act, continue operations pursuant to his existing license during the term of such indictment and until any conviction pursuant to the indictment becomes final:
(a) Any person may make application for relief from the disabilities under section 922 (g) and (n) of the Act (see § 478.32).
(b) An application for such relief shall be filed, in triplicate, with the Director. It shall include the information required by this section and such other supporting data as the Director and the applicant deem appropriate.
(c) Any record or document of a court or other government entity or official required by this paragraph to be furnished by an applicant in support of an application for relief shall be certified by the court or other government entity or official as a true copy. An application shall include:
(1) In the case of an applicant who is an individual, a written statement from each of 3 references, who are not related to the applicant by blood or marriage and have known the applicant for at least 3 years, recommending the granting of relief;
(2) Written consent to examine and obtain copies of records and to receive statements and information regarding the applicant's background, including records, statements and other information concerning employment, medical history, military service, and criminal record;
(3) In the case of an applicant under indictment, a copy of the indictment or information;
(4) In the case of an applicant having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year, a copy of the indictment or information on which the applicant was convicted, the judgment of conviction or record of any plea of nolo contendere or plea of guilty or finding of guilt by the court, and any pardon, expunction, setting aside or other record purporting to show that the conviction was rendered nugatory or that civil rights were restored;
(5) In the case of an applicant who has been adjudicated a mental defective or committed to a mental institution, a copy of the order of a court, board, commission, or other lawful authority that made the adjudication or ordered the commitment, any petition that sought to have the applicant so adjudicated or committed, any medical records reflecting the reasons for commitment and diagnoses of the applicant, and any court order or finding of a court, board, commission, or other lawful authority showing the applicant's discharge from commitment, restoration of mental competency and the restoration of rights;
(6) In the case of an applicant who has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions, a copy of the applicant's summary of service record (Department of Defense Form 214), charge sheet (Department of Defense Form 458), and final court martial order;
(7) In the case of an applicant who, having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his or her citizenship, a copy of the formal renunciation of nationality before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in a foreign state or before an officer designated by the Attorney General when the United States was in
(8) In the case of an applicant who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, a copy of the indictment or information on which the applicant was convicted, the judgment of conviction or record of any plea of nolo contendere or plea of guilty or finding of guilt by the court, and any pardon, expunction, setting aside or other record purporting to show that the conviction was rendered nugatory or that civil rights were restored.
(d) The Director may grant relief to an applicant if it is established to the satisfaction of the Director that the circumstances regarding the disability, and the applicant's record and reputation, are such that the applicant will not be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and that the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest. The Director will not ordinarily grant relief if the applicant has not been discharged from parole or probation for a period of at least 2 years. Relief will not be granted to an applicant who is prohibited from possessing all types of firearms by the law of the State where such applicant resides.
(e) In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section, an applicant who has been adjudicated a mental defective or committed to a mental institution will not be granted relief unless the applicant was subsequently determined by a court, board, commission, or other lawful authority to have been restored to mental competency, to be no longer suffering from a mental disorder, and to have had all rights restored.
(f) Upon receipt of an incomplete or improperly executed application for relief, the applicant shall be notified of the deficiency in the application. If the application is not corrected and returned within 30 days following the date of notification, the application shall be considered as having been abandoned.
(g) Whenever the Director grants relief to any person pursuant to this section, a notice of such action shall be promptly published in the
(h) A person who has been granted relief under this section shall be relieved of any disabilities imposed by the Act with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms or ammunition and incurred by reason of such disability.
(i)(1) A licensee who incurs disabilities under the Act (see § 478.32(a)) during the term of a current license or while the licensee has pending a license renewal application, and who files an application for removal of such disabilities, shall not be barred from licensed operations for 30 days following the date on which the applicant was first subject to such disabilities (or 30 days after the date upon which the conviction for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year becomes final), and if the licensee files the application for relief as provided by this section within such 30-day period, the licensee may further continue licensed operations during the pendency of the application. A licensee who does not file such application within such 30-day period shall not continue licensed operations beyond 30 days following the date on which the licensee was first subject to such disabilities (or 30 days from the date the conviction for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year becomes final).
(2) In the event the term of a license of a person expires during the 30-day period specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this section, or during the pendency of the application for relief, a timely application for renewal of the license must be filed in order to continue licensed operations. Such license application shall show that the applicant is subject to Federal firearms disabilities, shall describe the event giving rise to such disabilities, and shall state when the disabilities were incurred.
(3) A licensee shall not continue licensed operations beyond 30 days following the date the Director issues notification that the licensee's applications for removal of disabilities has been denied.
(4) When as provided in this paragraph a licensee may no longer continue licensed operations, any application for renewal of license filed by the licensee during the pendency of the application for removal of disabilities shall be denied by the Director of Industry Operations.
The provisions of § 478.98 with respect to the sale or delivery of destructive devices, machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, and short-barreled rifles shall not apply to the sale or delivery of such devices and weapons to any research organization designated by the Director to receive same. A research organization desiring such designation shall submit a letter application, in duplicate, to the Director. Such application shall contain the name and address of the research organization, the names and addresses of the persons directing or controlling, directly or indirectly, the policies and management of such organization, the nature and purpose of the research being conducted, a description of the devices and weapons to be received, and the identity of the person or persons from whom such devices and weapons are to be received.
The provisions of this part shall not be construed as prohibiting a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer from depositing a firearm for conveyance in the mails to any officer, employee, agent, or watchman who, pursuant to the provisions of section 1715 of title 18, U.S.C., is eligible to receive through the mails pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person, for use in connection with his official duties.
A person not otherwise prohibited by Federal, State or local law may ship a firearm to a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer for any lawful purpose, and, notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer may return in interstate or foreign commerce to that person the firearm or a replacement firearm of the same kind and type. See § 478.124(a) for requirements of a Form 4473 prior to return. A person not otherwise prohibited by Federal, State or local law may ship a firearm curio or relic to a licensed collector for any lawful purpose, and, notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the licensed collector may return in interstate or foreign commerce to that person the firearm curio or relic.
The Director may exempt certain armor piercing ammunition from the requirements of this part. A person who desires to obtain an exemption under this section for any such ammunition which is primarily intended for sporting purposes or intended for industrial purposes, including charges used in oil and gas well perforating devices, shall submit a written request to the Director. Each request shall be executed under the penalties of perjury and contain a complete and accurate description of the ammunition, the name and address of the manufacturer or importer, the purpose of and use for which it is designed and intended, and any photographs, diagrams, or drawings as may be necessary to enable the Director to make a determination. The Director may require that a sample of the ammunition be submitted for examination and evaluation.
The provisions of §§ 478.37 and 478.99(d) with respect to the manufacture or importation of armor piercing ammunition and the sale or delivery of armor piercing ammunition by manufacturers and importers shall not apply
(a) The provisions of § 478.102(d)(3) shall be applicable when the Director has certified that compliance with the provisions of § 478.102(a)(1) is impracticable because:
(1) The ratio of the number of law enforcement officers of the State in which the transfer is to occur to the number of square miles of land area of the State does not exceed 0.0025;
(2) The business premises of the licensee at which the transfer is to occur are extremely remote in relation to the chief law enforcement officer; and
(3) There is an absence of telecommunications facilities in the geographical area in which the business premises are located.
(b) A licensee who desires to obtain a certification under this section shall submit a written request to the Director. Each request shall be executed under the penalties of perjury and contain information sufficient for the Director to make such certification. Such information shall include statistical data, official reports, or other statements of government agencies pertaining to the ratio of law enforcement officers to the number of square miles of land area of a State and statements of government agencies and private utility companies regarding the absence of telecommunications facilities in the geographical area in which the licensee's business premises are located.
(c) For purposes of this section and § 478.129(c), the “chief law enforcement officer” means the chief of police, the sheriff, or an equivalent officer or the designee of any such individual.
(a) The provisions of § 478.39 shall not apply to the assembly of semiautomatic rifles or shotguns for the purpose of testing or experimentation as authorized by the Director.
(b) A person desiring authorization to assemble nonsporting semiautomatic rifles or shotguns shall submit a written request, in duplicate, to the Director. Each such request shall be executed under the penalties of perjury and shall contain a complete and accurate description of the firearm to be assembled, and such diagrams or drawings as may be necessary to enable the Director to make a determination. The Director may require the submission of the firearm parts for examination and evaluation. If the submission of the firearm parts is impractical, the person requesting the authorization shall so advise the Director and designate the place where the firearm parts will be available for examination and evaluation.
(a) Any firearm or ammunition involved in or used in any knowing violation of subsections (a)(4), (a)(6), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), or (k) of section 922 of the
(b) Only those firearms or quantities of ammunition particularly named and individually identified as involved in or used in any violation of the provisions of the Act or this part, or any other criminal law of the United States or as intended to be used in any offense referred to in paragraph (c) of this section, where such intent is demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence, shall be subject to seizure, forfeiture and disposition.
(c) The offenses referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section for which firearms and ammunition intended to be used in such offenses are subject to seizure and forfeiture are:
(1) Any crime of violence, as that term is defined in section 924(c)(3) of the Act;
(2) Any offense punishable under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801
(3) Any offense described in section 922(a)(1), 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5), or 922(b)(3) of the Act, where the firearm or ammunition intended to be used in such offense is involved in a pattern of activities which includes a violation of any offense described in section 922(a)(1), 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5), or 922(b)(3) of the Act;
(4) Any offense described in section 922(d) of the Act where the firearm or ammunition is intended to be used in such offense by the transferor of such firearm or ammunition;
(5) Any offense described in section 922(i), 922(j), 922(l), 922(n), or 924(b) of the Act; and
(6) Any offense which may be prosecuted in a court of the United States which involves the exportation of firearms or ammunition.
The provisions of § 478.40 with respect to the manufacture, transfer, or possession of a semiautomatic assault weapon, and § 478.40a with respect to large capacity ammunition feeding devices, shall not apply to the manufacture, transfer, or possession of such weapons or devices by a manufacturer or importer for the purposes of testing or experimentation as authorized by the Director. A person desiring such authorization shall submit a letter application, in duplicate, to the Director. Such application shall contain the name and addresses of the persons directing or controlling, directly or indirectly, the policies and management of the applicant, the nature or purpose of the testing or experimentation, a description of the weapons or devices to be manufactured or imported, and the source of the weapons or devices. The approved application shall be retained
Firearms and ammunition shall be exported in accordance with the applicable provisions of section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778) and regulations thereunder. However, licensed manufacturers, licensed importers, and licensed dealers exporting firearms shall maintain records showing the manufacture or acquisition of the firearms as required by this part and records showing the name and address of the foreign consignee of the firearms and the date the firearms were exported. Licensed manufacturers and licensed importers exporting armor piercing ammunition and semiautomatic assault weapons manufactured after September 13, 1994, shall maintain records showing the name and address of the foreign consignee and the date the armor piercing ammunition or semiautomatic assault weapons were exported.
26 U.S.C. 7805.
Nomenclature changes appear by T.D. ATF-487, 68 FR 3752, Jan. 24, 2003.
This part contains the procedural and substantive requirements relative to the importation, manufacture, making, exportation, identification and registration of, and the dealing in, machine guns, destructive devices and certain other firearms under the provisions of the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. Chapter 53).
When used in this part and in forms prescribed under this part, where not otherwise distinctly expressed or manifestly incompatible with the intent thereof, terms shall have the meanings ascribed in this section. Words in the plural form shall include the singular, and vice versa, and words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude other things not enumerated which are in the same general class or are otherwise within the scope thereof.
“I declare under the penalties of perjury that this—(insert type of document, such as, statement, application, request, certificate), including the documents submitted in support thereof, has been examined by me and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, is true, correct, and complete.”
(a) The Director is authorized to prescribe all forms required by this part. All of the information called for in each form shall be furnished as indicated by the headings on the form and the instructions on or pertaining to the form. In addition, information called for in each form shall be furnished as required by this part. Each form requiring that it be executed under penalties of perjury shall be executed under penalties of perjury.
(b) Requests for forms should be mailed to the ATF Distribution Center, 7664 K Fullerton Road, Springfield, Virginia 22150.
Any ATF officer or employee of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms duly authorized to perform any function relating to the administration
No information or evidence obtained from an application, registration, or record required to be submitted or retained by a natural person in order to comply with any provision of 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53, or this part or section 207 of the Gun Control Act of 1968 shall be used, directly or indirectly, as evidence against that person in a criminal proceeding with respect to a violation of law occurring prior to or concurrently with the filing of the application or registration, or the compiling of the record containing the information or evidence:
The Director shall determine in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 5845(f), whether a device is excluded from the definition of a destructive device. A person who desires to obtain a determination under that provision of law for any device which he believes is not likely to be used as a weapon shall submit a written request, in triplicate, for a ruling thereon to the Director. Each such request shall be executed under the penalties of perjury and contain a complete and accurate description of the device, the name and address of the manufacturer or importer thereof, the purpose of and use for which it is intended, and such photographs, diagrams, or drawings as may be necessary to enable the Director to make his determination. The Director may require the submission to him, of a sample of such device for examination and evaluation. If the submission of such device is impracticable, the person requesting the ruling shall so advise the Director and designate the place where the device will be available for examination and evaluation.
The Director shall determine in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 5845(a), whether a firearm or device, which although originally designed as a weapon, is by reason of the date of its manufacture, value, design, and other characteristics primarily a collector's item and is not likely to be used as a weapon. A person who desires to obtain a determination under that provision of law shall follow the procedures prescribed in § 479.24 relating to destructive device determinations, and shall include information as to date of manufacture, value, design and other characteristics which would sustain a finding that the firearm or device is primarily a collector's item and is not likely to be used as a weapon.
(a)
(1) Good cause is shown for the use of the alternate method or procedure;
(2) The alternate method or procedure is within the purpose of, and consistent with the effect intended by, the specifically prescribed method or procedure and that the alternate method or procedure is substantially equivalent to that specifically prescribed method or procedure; and
(3) The alternate method or procedure will not be contrary to any provision of law and will not result in an increase in cost to the Government or hinder the effective administration of this part. Where such person desires to employ an alternate method or procedure, a written application shall be submitted to the appropriate regional director (compliance), for transmittal to the Director. The application shall specifically describe the proposed alternate method or procedure and shall set forth the reasons for it. Alternate methods or procedures may not be employed until the application is approved by the Director. Such person shall, during the period of authorization of an alternate method or procedure, comply with the terms of the approved application. Authorization of any alternate method or procedure may be withdrawn whenever, in the judgment of the Director, the effective administration of this part is hindered by the continuation of the authorization.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(a) Prior to January 1, 1988, the special (occupational) tax rates were as follows:
(b) Except as provided in § 479.32a, the special (occupational) tax rates effective January 1, 1988, are as follows:
(c) A taxpayer who was engaged in a business on January 1, 1988, for which a special (occupational) tax was paid for a taxable period which began before January 1, 1988, and included that date, shall pay an increased special tax for the period January 1, 1988, through June 30, 1988. The increased tax shall not exceed one-half the excess (if any) of (1) the rate of special tax in effect on January 1, 1988, over (2) the rate of such tax in effect on December 31, 1987. The increased special tax shall be paid on or before April 1, 1988.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) Any person required to pay special (occupational) tax under this part shall be relieved from payment of that tax if he establishes to the satisfaction of the Director that his business is conducted exclusively with, or on behalf of, the United States or any department, independent establishment, or agency thereof. The Director may relieve any person manufacturing firearms for or on behalf of the United States from compliance with any provision of this part in the conduct of the business with respect to such firearms.
(b) The exemption in this section may be obtained by filing with the Director an application, in letter form, setting out the manner in which the applicant conducts his business, the type of firearm to be manufactured, and proof satisfactory to the Director of the existence of the contract with the United States, department, independent establishment, or agency thereof, under which the applicant intends to operate.
(a)
(b)
(1) The true name of the taxpayer.
(2) The trade name(s) (if any) of the business(es) subject to special tax.
(3) The employer identification number (see § 479.35).
(4) The exact location of the place of business, by name and number of building or street, or if these do not exist, by some description in addition to the post office address. In the case of one return for two or more locations, the address to be shown shall be the taxpayer's principal place of business (or principal office, in the case of a corporate taxpayer).
(5) The class(es) of special tax to which the taxpayer is subject.
(6) Ownership and control information: That is, the name, position, and residence address of every owner of the business and of every person having power to control its management and policies with respect to the activity subject to special tax. “Owner of the business” shall include every partner, if the taxpayer is a partnership, and every person owning 10% or more of its stock, if the taxpayer is a corporation. However, the ownership and control information required by this paragraph need not be stated if the same information has been previously provided to ATF in connection with a license application under Part 478 of this chapter, and if the information previously provided is still current.
(c)
(1) File one special tax return, ATF Form 5630.7, with payment of tax, to cover all such locations and classes of tax; and
(2) Prepare, in duplicate, a list identified with the taxpayer's name, address (as shown on ATF Form 5630.7), employer identification number, and period covered by the return. The list shall show, by States, the name, address, and tax class of each location for which special tax is being paid. The original of the list shall be filed with ATF in accordance with instructions on the return, and the copy shall be retained at the taxpayer's principal place of business (or principal office, in the case of a corporate taxpayer) for not less than 3 years.
(d)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
Upon filing a properly completed and executed return (Form 5630.7) accompanied by remittance of the full amount due, the taxpayer will be issued a special tax stamp as evidence of payment of the special (occupational) tax.
When a special tax stamp has been lost or destroyed, such fact should be reported immediately to the regional director (compliance) Center who issued the stamp. A certificate in lieu of the lost or destroyed stamp will be issued to the taxpayer upon the submission of an affidavit showing to the satisfaction of the regional director (compliance) that the stamp was lost or destroyed.
A person shall pay the special (occupational) tax for each location where he engages in any business taxable under 26 U.S.C. 5801. However, a person paying a special (occupational) tax covering his principal place of business may utilize other locations solely for storage of firearms without incurring special (occupational) tax liability at such locations. A manufacturer, upon the single payment of the appropriate special (occupational) tax, may sell firearms, if such firearms are of his own manufacture, at the place of manufacture and at his principal office or place of business if no such firearms, except samples, are kept at such office or place of business. When a person changes the location of a business for which he has paid the special (occupational) tax, he will be liable for another such tax unless the change is properly registered with the regional director (compliance) for the region in which the special tax stamp was issued, as provided in § 479.46.
If more than one business taxable under 26 U.S.C. 5801, is carried on at the same location during a taxable year, the special (occupational) tax imposed on each such business must be paid. This section does not require a qualified manufacturer or importer to qualify as a dealer if such manufacturer or importer also engages in business on his qualified premises as a dealer. However, a qualified manufacturer who engages in business as an importer must also qualify as an importer. Further, a qualified dealer is not entitled to engage in business as a manufacturer or importer.
Any number of persons doing business in partnership at any one location shall be required to pay but one special (occupational) tax.
A single sale, unattended by circumstances showing the one making the sale to be engaged in business, does not create special (occupational) tax liability.
Whenever any person who has paid special (occupational) tax dies, the surviving spouse or child, or executors or administrators, or other legal representatives, may carry on this business for the remainder of the term for which tax has been paid and at the place (or places) for which the tax was paid, without any additional payment, subject to the following conditions. If the surviving spouse or child, or executor or administrator, or other legal representative of the deceased taxpayer continues the business, such person shall, within 30 days after the date on which the successor begins to carry on the business, file a new return, Form 5630.7, with ATF in accordance with the instructions on the form. The return thus executed shall show the name of the original taxpayer, together with the basis of the succession. (As to
A receiver or referee in bankruptcy may continue the business under the stamp issued to the taxpayer at the place and for the period for which the tax was paid. An assignee for the benefit of creditors may continue business under his assignor's special tax stamp without incurring additional special (occupational) tax liability. In such cases, the change shall be registered with ATF in a manner similar to that required by § 479.42.
When one or more members withdraw from a partnership or an unincorporated association, the remaining member, or members, may, without incurring additional special (occupational) tax liability, carry on the same business at the same location for the balance of the taxable period for which special (occupational) tax was paid, provided any such change shall be registered in the same manner as required by § 479.42. Where new member(s) are taken into a partnership or an unincorporated association, the new firm so constituted may not carry on business under the special tax stamp of the old firm. The new firm must file a return, pay the special (occupational) tax and register in the same manner as a person who first engages in business is required to do under § 479.34 even though the name of the new firm may be the same as that of the old. Where the members of a partnership or an unincorporated association, which has paid special (occupational) tax, form a corporation to continue the business, a new special tax stamp must be taken out in the name of the corporation.
Additional special (occupational) tax is not required by reason of a mere change of name or increase in the capital stock of a corporation if the laws of the State of incorporation provide for such change or increase without the formation of a new corporation. A stockholder in a corporation who after its dissolution continues the business, incurs new special (occupational) tax liability.
Whenever during the taxable year a taxpayer intends to remove his business to a location other than specified in his last special (occupational) tax return (see § 479.34), he shall file with ATF (a) a return, Form 5630.7, bearing the notation “Removal Registry,” and showing the new address intended to be used, (b) his current special tax stamp, and (c) a letter application requesting the amendment of his registration. The regional director (compliance), upon approval of the application, shall return the special tax stamp, amended to show the new business location. Firearms operations shall not be commenced at the new business location by the taxpayer prior to the required approval of his application to so change his business location.
Whenever during the taxable year a taxpayer intends to change the name of his business, he shall file with ATF (a) a return, Form 5630.7, bearing the notation “Amended,” and showing the trade name intended to be used, (b) his current special tax stamp, and (c) a letter application requesting the amendment of his registration. The regional director (compliance), upon approval of the application, shall return the special tax stamp, amended to show the new trade name. Firearms operations shall not be commenced under the new trade name by the taxpayer prior to
Any person who engages in a business taxable under 26 U.S.C. 5801, without timely payment of the tax imposed with respect to such business (see § 479.34) shall be liable for such tax, plus the interest and penalties thereon (see 26 U.S.C. 6601 and 6651). In addition, such person may be liable for criminal penalties under 26 U.S.C. 5871.
Any person succeeding to and carrying on a business for which special (occupational) tax has been paid without registering such change within 30 days thereafter, and any taxpayer removing his business with respect to which special (occupational) tax has been paid to a place other than that for which tax was paid without obtaining approval therefor (see § 479.46), will incur liability to an additional payment of the tax, addition to tax and interest, as provided in sections 5801, 6651, and 6601, respectively, I.R.C., for failure to make return (see § 479.50) or pay tax, as well as criminal penalties for carrying on business without payment of special (occupational) tax (see section 5871 I.R.C.).
Any person liable for special (occupational) tax under section 5801, I.R.C., who fails to file a return (Form 5630.7), as prescribed, will be liable for a delinquency penalty computed on the amount of tax due unless a return (Form 5630.7) is later filed and failure to file the return timely is shown to the satisfaction of the regional director (compliance), to be due to reasonable cause. The delinquency penalty to be added to the tax is 5 percent if the failure is for not more than 1 month, with an additional 5 percent for each additional month or fraction thereof during which failure continues, not to exceed 25 percent in the aggregate (section 6651, I.R.C.). However, no delinquency penalty is assessed where the 50 percent addition to tax is assessed for fraud (see § 479.51).
If any part of any underpayment of tax required to be shown on a return is due to fraud, there shall be added to the tax an amount equal to 50 percent of the underpayment, but no delinquency penalty shall be assessed with respect to the same underpayment (section 6653, I.R.C.).
Special tax stamps are merely receipts for the tax. Payment of tax under Federal law confers no privilege to act contrary to State law. One to whom a special tax stamp has been issued may still be punishable under a State law prohibiting or controlling the manufacture, possession or transfer of firearms. On the other hand, compliance with State law confers no immunity under Federal law. Persons who engage in the business of importing, manufacturing or dealing in firearms, in violation of the law of a State, are nevertheless required to pay special (occupational) tax as imposed under the internal revenue laws of the United States. For provisions relating to restrictive use of information furnished to comply with the provisions of this part see § 479.23.
Except as provided in this subpart, there shall be levied, collected, and paid upon the making of a firearm a tax at the rate of $200 for each firearm made. This tax shall be paid by the person making the firearm. Payment of
No person shall make a firearm unless the person has filed with the Director a written application on Form 1 (Firearms), Application to Make and Register a Firearm, in duplicate, executed under the penalties of perjury, to make and register the firearm and has received the approval of the Director to make the firearm which approval shall effectuate registration of the weapon to the applicant. The application shall identify the firearm to be made by serial number, type, model, caliber or gauge, length of barrel, other marks of identification, and the name and address of original manufacturer (if the applicant is not the original manufacturer). The applicant must be identified on the Form 1 (Firearms) by name and address and, if other than a natural person, the name and address of the principal officer or authorized representative and the employer identification number and, if an individual, the identification must include the date and place of birth and the information prescribed in § 479.63. Each applicant shall identify the Federal firearms license and special (occupational) tax stamp issued to the applicant, if any. The applicant shall also show required information evidencing that making or possession of the firearm would not be in violation of law. If the making is taxable, a remittance in the amount of $200 shall be submitted with the application in accordance with the instructions on the form. If the making is taxable and the application is approved, the Director will affix a National Firearms Act stamp to the original application in the space provided therefor and properly cancel the stamp (see § 479.67). The approved application will be returned to the applicant. If the making of the firearm is tax exempt under this part, an explanation of the basis of the exemption shall be attached to the Form 1 (Firearms).
If the applicant is an individual, the applicant shall securely attach to each copy of the Form 1 (Firearms), in the space provided on the form, a photograph of the applicant 2 × 2 inches in size, clearly showing a full front view of the features of the applicant with head bare, with the distance from the top of the head to the point of the chin approximately 1
The application to make a firearm, Form 1 (Firearms), must be forwarded directly, in duplicate, by the maker of the firearm to the Director in accordance with the instructions on the form. The Director will consider the application for approval or disapproval. If the application is approved, the Director will return the original thereof to the maker of the firearm and retain the duplicate. Upon receipt of the approved application, the maker is authorized to make the firearm described therein.
An application to make a firearm shall not be approved by the Director if the making or possession of the firearm would place the person making the firearm in violation of law.
Where a firearm which has been made in compliance with 26 U.S.C. 5821, and the regulations contained in this part, is to be transferred subsequently, the transfer provisions of the firearms laws and regulations must be complied with. (See subpart F of this part).
The person affixing to a Form 1 (Firearms) a “National Firearms Act” stamp shall cancel it by writing or stamping thereon, in ink, his initials, and the day, month and year, in such manner as to render it unfit for reuse. The cancellation shall not so deface the stamp as to prevent its denomination and genuineness from being readily determined.
A manufacturer qualified under this part to engage in such business may make firearms without payment of the making tax. However, such manufacturer shall report and register each firearm made in the manner prescribed by this part.
A firearm may be made by, or on behalf of, the United States or any department, independent establishment, or agency thereof without payment of the making tax. However, if a firearm is to be made on behalf of the United States, the maker must file an application, in duplicate, on Form 1 (Firearms) and obtain the approval of the Director in the manner prescribed in § 479.62.
A firearm may be made without payment of the making tax by, or on behalf of, any State, or possession of the United States, any political subdivision thereof, or any official police organization of such a government entity engaged in criminal investigations. Any person making a firearm under this exemption shall first file an application, in duplicate, on Form 1 (Firearms) and obtain the approval of the Director as prescribed in § 479.62.
The approval by the Director of an application, Form 1 (Firearms), to make a firearm under this subpart shall effectuate registration of the firearm described in the Form 1 (Firearms) to the person making the firearm. The original Form 1 (Firearms) showing approval by the Director shall be retained by the maker to establish proof of his registration of the firearm described therein, and shall be made available to any ATF officer on request.
Except as otherwise provided in this part, each transfer of a firearm in the United States is subject to a tax to be represented by an adhesive stamp of the proper denomination bearing the words “National Firearms Act” to be
The transfer tax imposed with respect to firearms transferred within the United States is at the rate of $200 for each firearm transferred, except that the transfer tax on any firearm classified as “any other weapon” shall be at the rate of $5 for each such firearm transferred. The tax imposed on the transfer of the firearm shall be paid by the transferor.
The transfer tax imposed by section 5811, I.R.C., is in addition to any import duty.
Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, no firearm may be transferred in the United States unless an application, Form 4 (Firearms), Application for Transfer and Registration of Firearm, in duplicate, executed under the penalties of perjury to transfer the firearm and register it to the transferee has been filed with and approved by the Director. The application, Form 4 (Firearms), shall be filed by the transferor and shall identify the firearm to be transferred by type; serial number; name and address of the manufacturer and importer, if known; model; caliber, gauge or size; in the case of a short-barreled shotgun or a short-barreled rifle, the length of the barrel; in the case of a weapon made from a rifle or shotgun, the overall length of the weapon and the length of the barrel; and any other identifying marks on the firearm. In the event the firearm does not bear a serial number, the applicant shall obtain a serial number from the Regional director (compliance) and shall stamp (impress) or otherwise conspicuously place such serial number on the firearm in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered or removed. The application, Form 4 (Firearms), shall identify the transferor by name and address; shall identify the transferor's Federal firearms license and special (occupational) Chapter tax stamp, if any; and if the transferor is other than a natural person, shall show the title or status of the person executing the application. The application also shall identify the transferee by name and address, and, if the transferee is a natural person not qualified as a manufacturer, importer or dealer under this part, he shall be further identified in the manner prescribed in § 479.85. The application also shall identify the special (occupational) tax stamp and Federal firearms license of the transferee, if any. Any tax payable on the transfer must be represented by an adhesive stamp of proper denomination being affixed to the application, Form 4 (Firearms), properly cancelled.
If the transferee is an individual, such person shall securely attach to each copy of the application, Form 4 (Firearms), in the space provided on the form, a photograph of the applicant 2 × 2 inches in size, clearly showing a full front view of the features of the applicant with head bare, with the distance from the top of the head to the point of the chin approximately 1
The Director will consider a completed and properly executed application, Form 4 (Firearms), to transfer a firearm. If the application is approved, the Director will affix the appropriate National Firearms Act stamp, cancel it, and return the original application showing approval to the transferor who may then transfer the firearm to the transferee along with the approved application. The approval of an application, Form 4 (Firearms), by the Director will effectuate registration of the firearm to the transferee. The transferee shall not take possession of a firearm until the application, Form 4 (Firearms), for the transfer filed by the transferor has been approved by the Director and registration of the firearm is effectuated to the transferee. The transferee shall retain the approved application as proof that the firearm described therein is registered to the transferee, and shall make the approved Form 4 (Firearms) available to any ATF officer on request. If the application, Form 4 (Firearms), to transfer a firearm is disapproved by the Director, the original application and the remittance for purchase of the stamp will be returned to the transferor with reasons for the disapproval stated on the application. An application, Form 4 (Firearms), to transfer a firearm shall be denied if the transfer, receipt, or possession of a firearm would place the transferee in violation of law. In addition to any other records checks that may be conducted to determine whether the transfer, receipt, or possession of a firearm would place the transferee in violation of law, the Director shall contact the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
The method of cancellation of the stamp required by this subpart as prescribed in § 479.67 shall be used.
(a) A firearm registered to a person qualified under this part to engage in business as an importer, manufacturer, or dealer may be transferred by that person without payment of the transfer tax to any other person qualified under this part to manufacture, import, or deal in firearms.
(b) The exemption provided in paragraph (a) of this section shall be obtained by the transferor of the firearm filing with the Director an application, Form 3 (Firearms), Application for Tax-exempt Transfer of Firearm and Registration to Special (Occupational) Taxpayer, in duplicate, executed under the penalties of perjury. The application, Form 3 (Firearms), shall (1) show the name and address of the transferor and of the transferee, (2) identify the Federal firearms license and special (occupational) tax stamp of the transferor and of the transferee, (3) show the name and address of the manufacturer and the importer of the firearm, if known, (4) show the type, model, overall length (if applicable), length of barrel, caliber, gauge or size, serial number, and other marks of identification of the firearm, and (5) contain a statement by the transferor that he is entitled to the exemption because the transferee is a person qualified under this part to manufacture, import, or deal in firearms. If the Director approves an application, Form 3 (Firearms), he shall return the original Form 3 (Firearms) to the transferor with the approval noted thereon. Approval of an application, Form 3 (Firearms), by the Director shall remove registration of the firearm reported thereon from the transferor and shall effectuate the registration of that firearm to the transferee. Upon receipt of the approved Form 3 (Firearms), the transferor shall deliver same with the firearm to the transferee. The transferor shall not transfer the firearm to
(c) The transferor shall be responsible for establishing the exempt status of the transferee before making a transfer under the provisions of this section. Therefore, before engaging in transfer negotiations with the transferee, the transferor should satisfy himself as to the claimed exempt status of the transferee and the bona fides of the transaction. If not fully satisfied, the transferor should communicate with the Director, report all circumstances regarding the proposed transfer, and await the Director's advice before making application for the transfer. An unapproved transfer or a transfer to an unauthorized person may subject the transferor to civil and criminal liabilities. (See 26 U.S.C. 5852, 5861, and 5871.)
A firearm may be transferred to the United States or any department, independent establishment or agency thereof without payment of the transfer tax. However, the procedures for the transfer of a firearm as provided in § 479.90 shall be followed in a tax-exempt transfer of a firearm under this section, unless the transferor is relieved of such requirement under other provisions of this part.
(a) A firearm may be transferred without payment of the transfer tax to or from any State, possession of the United States, any political subdivision thereof, or any official police organization of such a governmental entity engaged in criminal investigations.
(b) The exemption provided in paragraph (a) of this section shall be obtained by the transferor of the firearm filing with the Director an application, Form 5 (Firearms), Application for Tax-exempt Transfer and Registration of Firearm, in duplicate, executed under the penalties of perjury. The application shall (1) show the name and address of the transferor and of the transferee, (2) identify the Federal firearms license and special (occupational) tax stamp, if any, of the transferor and of the transferee, (3) show the name and address of the manufacturer and the importer of the firearm, if known, (4) show the type, model, overall length (if applicable), length of barrel, caliber, gauge or size, serial number, and other marks of identification of the firearm, and (5) contain a statement by the transferor that the transferor is entitled to the exemption because either the transferor or the transferee is a governmental entity coming within the purview of paragraph (a) of this section. In the case of a transfer of a firearm by a governmental entity to a transferee who is a natural person not qualified as a manufacturer, importer, or dealer under this part, the transferee shall be further identified in the manner prescribed in § 479.85. If the Director approves an application, Form 5 (Firearms), the original Form 5 (Firearms) shall be returned to the transferor with the approval noted thereon. Approval of an application, Form 5 (Firearms), by the Director shall effectuate the registration of that firearm to the transferee. Upon receipt of the approved Form 5 (Firearms), the transferor shall deliver same with the firearm to the transferee. The transferor shall not transfer the firearm to the transferee until the application, Form 5 (Firearms), has been approved by the Director and the original thereof has been returned to the transferor. If the Director disapproves the application, Form 5 (Firearms), the original Form 5 (Firearms) shall be returned to the transferor with the reasons for the disapproval stated thereon. An application by a governmental entity to transfer a firearm shall be denied if the transfer, receipt, or possession of a firearm would place the transferee in violation of law.
(c) The transferor shall be responsible for establishing the exempt status of the transferee before making a
An unserviceable firearm may be transferred as a curio or ornament without payment of the transfer tax. However, the procedures for the transfer of a firearm as provided in § 479.90 shall be followed in a tax-exempt transfer of a firearm under this section, except a statement shall be entered on the transfer application, Form 5 (Firearms), by the transferor that he is entitled to the exemption because the firearm to be transferred is unservicable and is being transferred as a curio or ornament. An unapproved transfer, the transfer of a firearm under the provisions of this section which is in fact not an unserviceable firearm, or the transfer of an unserviceable firearm as something other than a curio or ornament, may subject the transferor to civil and criminal liabilities. (See 26 U.S.C. 5811, 5852, 5861, and 5871.)
Notwithstanding any provision of § 478.28 of this chapter, it shall not be required that authorization be obtained from the Director for the transportation in interstate or foreign commerce of a firearm in order to effect the transfer of a firearm authorized under the provisions of this subpart.
Where the transfer of a destructive device, machine gun, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle is to be made by a person licensed under the provisions of Title I of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (82 Stat. 1213) to a person not so licensed, the sworn statement required by § 478.98 of this chapter shall be attached to and accompany the transfer application required by this subpart.
(a) The Director shall maintain a central registry of all firearms in the United States which are not in the possession of or under the control of the United States. This registry shall be known as the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record and shall include:
(1) Identification of the firearm as required by this part;
(2) Date of registration; and
(3) Identification and address of person entitled to possession of the firearm as required by this part.
(b) Each manufacturer, importer, and maker shall register each firearm he manufactures, imports, or makes in the manner prescribed by this part. Each firearm transferred shall be registered to the transferee by the transferor in the manner prescribed by this part. No firearm may be registered by a person unlawfully in possession of the firearm except during an amnesty period established under section 207 of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (82 Stat. 1235).
(c) A person shown as possessing firearms by the records maintained by the Director pursuant to the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. Chapter 53) in force on October 31, 1968, shall be considered to have registered the firearms in his possession which are disclosed by that
(d) The National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record shall include firearms registered to the possessors thereof under the provisions of section 207 of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
(e) A person possessing a firearm registered to him shall retain proof of registration which shall be made available to any ATF officer upon request.
(f) A firearm not identified as required by this part shall not be registered.
(a) You, as a manufacturer, importer, or maker of a firearm, must legibly identify the firearm as follows:
(1) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed) or placed on the frame or receiver thereof an individual serial number. The serial number must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or removed, and must not duplicate any serial number placed by you on any other firearm. For firearms manufactured, imported, or made on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of the serial number must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch and in a print size no smaller than 1/16 inch; and
(2) By engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed), or placed on the frame, receiver, or barrel thereof certain additional information. This information must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered or removed. For firearms manufactured, imported, or made on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of this information must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch. The additional information includes:
(i) The model, if such designation has been made;
(ii) The caliber or gauge;
(iii) Your name (or recognized abbreviation) and also, when applicable, the name of the foreign manufacturer or maker;
(iv) In the case of a domestically made firearm, the city and State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the manufacturer maintain your place of business, or where you, as the maker, made the firearm; and
(v) In the case of an imported firearm, the name of the country in which it was manufactured and the city and State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the importer maintain your place of business. For additional requirements relating to imported firearms, see Customs regulations at 19 CFR part 134.
(b) The depth of all markings required by this section will be measured from the flat surface of the metal and not the peaks or ridges. The height of serial numbers required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section will be measured as the distance between the latitudinal ends of the character impression bottoms (bases).
(c) The Director may authorize other means of identification upon receipt of a letter application from you, submitted in duplicate, showing that such other identification is reasonable and will not hinder the effective administration of this part.
(d) In the case of a destructive device, the Director may authorize other means of identifying that weapon upon receipt of a letter application from you, submitted in duplicate, showing that engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) such a weapon would be dangerous or impracticable.
(e) A firearm frame or receiver that is not a component part of a complete weapon at the time it is sold, shipped, or otherwise disposed of by you must be identified as required by this section.
(f)(1) Any part defined as a machine gun, muffler, or silencer for the purposes of this part that is not a component part of a complete firearm at the time it is sold, shipped, or otherwise disposed of by you must be identified as required by this section.
(2) The Director may authorize other means of identification of parts defined as machine guns other than frames or
Each manufacturer qualified under this part shall file with the Director an accurate notice on Form 2 (Firearms), Notice of Firearms Manufactured or Imported, executed under the penalties of perjury, to show his manufacture of firearms. The notice shall set forth the name and address of the manufacturer, identify his special (occupational) tax stamp and Federal firearms license, and show the date of manufacture, the type, model, length of barrel, overall length, caliber, gauge or size, serial numbers, and other marks of identification of the firearms he manufactures, and the place where the manufactured firearms will be kept. All firearms manufactured by him during a single day shall be included on one notice, Form 2 (Firearms), filed by the manufacturer no later than the close of the next business day. The manufacturer shall prepare the notice, Form 2 (Firearms), in duplicate, file the original notice as prescribed herein and keep the copy with the records required by subpart I of this part at the premises covered by his special (occupational) tax stamp. Receipt of the notice, Form 2 (Firearms), by the Director shall effectuate the registration of the firearms listed on that notice. The requirements of this part relating to the transfer of a firearm are applicable to transfers by qualified manufacturers.
Any State, any political subdivision thereof, or any official police organization of such a government entity engaged in criminal investigations, which acquires for official use a firearm not registered to it, such as by abandonment or by forfeiture, will register such firearm with the Director by filing Form 10 (Firearms), Registration of Firearms Acquired by Certain Governmental Entities, and such registration shall become a part of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The application shall identify the applicant, describe each firearm covered by the application, show the location where each firearm usually will be kept, and, if the firearm is unserviceable, the application shall show how the firearm was made unserviceable. This section shall not apply to a firearm merely being held for use as evidence in a criminal proceeding. The Form 10 (Firearms) shall be executed in duplicate in accordance with the instructions thereon. Upon registering the firearm, the Director shall return the original Form 10 (Firearms) to the registrant with notification thereon that registration of the firearm has been made. The registration of any firearm under this section is for official use only and a subsequent transfer will be approved only to other governmental entities for official use.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a) No firearm shall be imported or brought into the United States or any territory under its control or jurisdiction unless the person importing or bringing in the firearm establishes to the satisfaction of the Director that the firearm to be imported or brought in is being imported or brought in for:
(1) The use of the United States or any department, independent establishment, or agency thereof or any State or possession or any political subdivision thereof; or
(2) Scientific or research purposes; or
(3) Testing or use as a model by a registered manufacturer or solely for
(b) Part 478 of this chapter also contains requirements and procedures for the importation of firearms into the United States. A firearm may not be imported into the United States under this part unless those requirements and procedures are also complied with by the person importing the firearm.
(c) The provisions of this subpart shall not be construed as prohibiting the return to the United States or any territory under its control or jurisdiction of a firearm by a person who can establish to the satisfaction of Customs that (1) the firearm was taken out of the United States or any territory under its control or jurisdiction by such person, (2) the firearm is registered to that person, and (3) if appropriate, the authorization required by Part 478 of this chapter for the transportation of such a firearm in interstate or foreign commerce has been obtained by such person.
(a) Each importer shall file with the Director an accurate notice on Form 2 (Firearms), Notice of Firearms Manufactured or Imported, executed under the penalties of perjury, showing the importation of a firearm. The notice shall set forth the name and address of the importer, identify the importer's special (occupational) tax stamp and Federal firearms license, and show the import permit number, the date of release from Customs custody, the type, model, length of barrel, overall length, caliber, gauge or size, serial number, and other marks of identification of the firearm imported, and the place where the imported firearm will be kept. The Form 2 (Firearms) covering an imported firearm shall be filed by the importer no later than fifteen (15) days from the date the firearm was released from Customs custody. The importer shall prepare the notice, Form 2 (Firearms), in duplicate, file the original return as prescribed herein, and keep the copy with the records required by subpart I of this part at the premises covered by the special (occupational) tax stamp. The timely receipt by the Director of the notice, Form 2 (Firearms), and the timely receipt by the Director of the copy of
(b) The requirements of this part relating to the transfer of a firearm are applicable to the transfer of imported firearms by a qualified importer or any other person.
(c) Subject to compliance with the provisions of this part, an application, Form 6 (Firearms), to import a firearm by an importer or dealer qualified under this part, for use as a sample in connection with sales of such firearms to Federal, State or local governmental entities, will be approved if it is established by specific information attached to the application that the firearm is suitable or potentially suitable for use by such entities. Such information must show why a sales sample of a particular firearm is suitable for such use and the expected governmental customers who would require a demonstration of the firearm. Information as to the availability of the firearm to fill subsequent orders and letters from governmental entities expressing a need for a particular model or interest in seeing a demonstration of a particular firearm would establish suitability for governmental use. Applications to import more than one firearm of a particular model for use as a sample by an importer or dealer must also establish the importer's or dealer's need for the quantity of samples sought to be imported.
(d) Subject to compliance with the provisions of this part, an application, Form 6 (Firearms), to import a firearm by an importer or dealer qualified under this part, for use as a sample in connection with sales of such firearms to Federal, State or local governmental entities, will be approved if it is established by specific information attached to the application that the firearm is particularly suitable for use by such entities. Such information must show why a sales sample of a particular firearm is suitable for such use and the expected governmental customers who would require a demonstration of the firearm. Information as to the availability of the firearm to fill subsequent orders and letters from governmental entities expressing a need for a particular model or interest in seeing a demonstration of a particular firearm would establish suitability for governmental use. Applications to import more than one firearm of a particular model for use as a sample by an importer or dealer must also establish the importer's or dealer's need for the quantity of samples sought to be imported.
The Director shall permit the conditional importation or bringing into the United States of any firearm for the purpose of examining and testing the firearm in connection with making a determination as to whether the importation or bringing in of such firearm will be authorized under this subpart. An application under this section shall be filed on Form 6 (Firearms), in triplicate, with the Director. The Director may impose conditions upon any importation under this section including a requirement that the firearm be shipped directly from Customs custody to the Director and that the person importing or bringing in the firearm must agree to either export the weapon or destroy it if a final determination is made that it may not be imported or brought in under this subpart. A firearm so imported or brought into the United States may be released from Customs custody in the manner prescribed by the conditional authorization of the Director.
Any person desiring to export a firearm without payment of the transfer tax must file with the Director an application on Form 9 (Firearms), Application and Permit for Exportation of
If the application is acceptable, the Director will execute the permit, Part 2 of Form 9 (Firearms), to export the firearm described on the form and return three copies thereof to the applicant. Issuance of the permit by the Director will suspend assertion of tax liability for a period of six (6) months from the date of issuance. If the application is disapproved, the Director will indicate thereon the reason for such action and return the forms to the applicant.
Shipment may not be made until the permit, Form 9 (Firearms), is received from the Director. If exportation is to be made by means other than by parcel post, two copies of the form must be addressed to the District Director of Customs at the port of exportation, and must precede or accompany the shipment in order to permit appropriate inspection prior to lading. If exportation is to be made by parcel post, one copy of the form must be presented to the postmaster at the office receiving the parcel who will execute Part 4 of such form and return the form to the exporter for transmittal to the Director. In the event exportation is not effected, all copies of the form must be immediately returned to the Director for cancellation.
Upon receipt of a permit, Form 9 (Firearms), in duplicate, authorizing the exportation of firearms, the District Director of Customs may order such inspection as deemed necessary prior to lading of the merchandise. If satisfied that the shipment is proper and the information contained in the permit to export is in agreement with information shown in the shipper's export declaration, the District Director of Customs will, after the merchandise has been duly exported, execute the certificate of exportation (Part 3 of Form 9 (Firearms)). One copy of the form will be retained with the shipper's export declaration and the remaining copy thereof will be transmitted to the Director.
Within a six-month's period from date of issuance of the permit to export firearms, the exporter shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Director (a) the certificate of exportation (Part 3 of Form 9 (Firearms)) executed by the District Director of Customs as provided in § 479.117, or (b) the certificate of mailing by parcel post (Part 4 of Form 9 (Firearms)) executed by the postmaster of the post office receiving the parcel containing the firearm, or (c) a certificate of landing executed by a Customs officer of the foreign country to which the firearm is exported, or (d) a sworn statement of the foreign consignee covering the receipt of the firearm, or (e) the return receipt, or a reproduced copy thereof, signed by the addressee or his agent, where the shipment of a firearm was made by insured or registered parcel post. Issuance of a permit to export a firearm and furnishing of evidence establishing such
Notwithstanding any provision of § 478.28 of this chapter, it shall not be required that authorization be obtained from the Director for the transportation in interstate or foreign commerce of a firearm in order to effect the exportation of a firearm authorized under the provisions of this subpart.
Where, after payment of tax by the manufacturer, a firearm is exported, and satisfactory proof of exportation (see § 479.118) is furnished, a claim for refund may be submitted on Form 843 (see § 479.172). If the manufacturer waives all claim for the amount to be refunded, the refund shall be made to the exporter. A claim for refund by an exporter of tax paid by a manufacturer should be accompanied by waiver of the manufacturer and proof of tax payment by the latter.
Transfers of firearms to persons in the insular possessions of the United States are exempt from transfer tax, provided title in cases involving change of title (and custody or control, in cases not involving change of title), does not pass to the transferee or his agent in the United States. However, such exempt transactions must be covered by approved permits and supporting documents corresponding to those required in the case of firearms exported to foreign countries (see §§ 479.114 and 479.115), except that the Director may vary the requirements herein set forth in accordance with the requirements of the governing authority of the insular possession. Shipments to the insular possessions will not be authorized without compliance with the requirements of the governing authorities thereof. In the case of a nontaxable transfer to a person in such insular possession, the exemption extends only to such transfer and not to prior transfers.
(a) Persons engaged in the business of importing firearms are required by the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778) to register with the Director. (See Part 447 of this chapter.)
(b) Persons engaged in the business of exporting firearms caliber .22 or larger are subject to the requirements of a license issued by the Secretary of State. Application for such license should be made to the Office of Munitions Control, Department of State, Washington, DC 20502, prior to exporting firearms.
For the purposes of this part, each manufacturer, importer, and dealer in firearms shall keep and maintain such records regarding the manufacture, importation, acquisition (whether by making, transfer, or otherwise), receipt, and disposition of firearms as are prescribed, and in the manner and place required, by part 478 of this chapter. In addition, each manufacturer, importer, and dealer shall maintain, in chronological order, at his place of business a separate record consisting of the documents required by this part showing the registration of any firearm to him. If firearms owned or possessed by a manufacturer, importer, or dealer are stored or kept on premises other than the place of business shown on his special (occupational) tax stamp, the record establishing registration shall show where such firearms are stored or kept. The records required by this part
Whenever any registered firearm is stolen or lost, the person losing possession thereof will, immediately upon discovery of such theft or loss, make a report to the Director showing the following:
(a) Name and address of the person in whose name the firearm is registered, (b) kind of firearm, (c) serial number, (d) model, (e) caliber, (f) manufacturer of the firearm, (g) date and place of theft or loss, and (h) complete statement of facts and circumstances surrounding such theft or loss.
When any Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6A, or 10 (Firearms) evidencing possession of a firearm is stolen, lost, or destroyed, the person losing possession will immediately upon discovery of the theft, loss, or destruction report the matter to the Director. The report will show in detail the circumstances of the theft, loss, or destruction and will include all known facts which may serve to identify the document. Upon receipt of the report, the Director will make such investigation as appears appropriate and may issue a duplicate document upon such conditions as the circumstances warrant.
If any person required by this part to make returns shall fail or refuse to make any such return within the time prescribed by this part or designated by the Director, then the return shall be made by an ATF officer upon inspection of the books, but the making of such return by an ATF officer shall not relieve the person from any default or penalty incurred by reason of failure to make such return.
Any person failing to keep records or make returns, or making, or causing the making of, a false entry on any application, return or record, knowing such entry to be false, is liable to fine and imprisonment as provided in section 5871, I.R.C.
“National Firearms Act” stamps evidencing payment of the transfer tax or tax on the making of a firearm are maintained by the Director. The remittance for purchase of the appropriate tax stamp shall be submitted with the application. Upon approval of the application, the Director will cause the appropriate tax to be paid by affixing the appropriate stamp to the application.
Adhesive stamps of the $5 and $200 denomination, bearing the words “National Firearms Act,” have been prepared and only such stamps shall be used for the payment of the transfer tax and for the tax on the making of a firearm.
A stamp once affixed to one document cannot lawfully be removed and affixed to another. Any person willfully reusing such a stamp shall be subject to the penalty prescribed by 26 U.S.C. 7208.
Where a National Firearms Act stamp is destroyed, mutilated or rendered useless after purchase, and before liability has been incurred, such stamp may be redeemed by giving another stamp in lieu thereof. Claim for redemption of the stamp should be filed on ATF Form 2635 (5620.8) with the Director. Such claim shall be accompanied by the stamp or by a satisfactory explanation of the reasons why the stamp cannot be returned, and shall be filed within 3 years after the purchase of the stamp.
As indicated in this part, the transfer tax or tax on the making of a firearm is ordinarily paid by the purchase and affixing of stamps, while special tax stamps are issued in payment of special (occupational) taxes. However, in exceptional cases, transfer tax, tax on the making of firearms, and/or special (occupational) tax may be paid pursuant to assessment. Claims for refunds of such taxes, paid pursuant to assessment, shall be filed on ATF Form 2635 (5620.8) within 3 years next after payment of the taxes. Such claims shall be filed with the regional director (compliance) serving the region in which the tax was paid. (For provisions relating to hand-carried documents and manner of filing, see 26 CFR 301.6091-1(b) and 301.6402-2(a).) When an applicant to make or transfer a firearm wishes a refund of the tax paid on an approved application where the firearm was not made pursuant to an approved Form 1 (Firearms) or transfer of the firearm did not take place pursuant to an approved Form 4 (Firearms), the applicant shall file a claim for refund of the tax on ATF Form 2635 (5620.8) with the Director. The claim shall be accompanied by the approved application bearing the stamp and an explanation why the tax liability was not incurred. Such claim shall be filed within 3 years next after payment of the tax.
Any person who violates or fails to comply with the requirements of 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53 shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalties imposed under 26 U.S.C. 5871.
Any firearm involved in any violation of the provisions of 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53, shall be subject to seizure, and forfeiture under the internal revenue laws:
All of the provisions of the internal revenue laws not inconsistent with the provisions of 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53 shall be applicable with respect to the taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5801, 5811, and 5821 (see 26 U.S.C. 5846).
For provisions relating to commerce in firearms and ammunition, including the movement of destructive devices,
For provisions relating to the registration and licensing of persons engaged in the business of manufacturing, importing or exporting arms, ammunition, or implements of war, see the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778), and the regulations issued pursuant thereto. (See also Part 447 of this chapter.)
18 U.S.C. 847.
Nomenclature changes to part 555 appear at 68 FR 3748, Jan. 24, 2003.
(a)
(b)
(1) The interstate or foreign commerce in explosive materials;
(2) The licensing of manufacturers and importers of, and dealers in, explosive materials;
(3) The issuance of permits;
(4) The conduct of business by licensees and operations by permittees;
(5) The storage of explosive materials;
(6) The records and reports required of licensees and permittees;
(7) Relief from disabilities under this part;
(8) Exemptions, unlawful acts, penalties, seizures, and forfeitures; and
(9) The marking of plastic explosives.
The provisions in this part are in addition to, and are not in lieu of, any other provision of law, or regulations, respecting commerce in explosive materials. For regulations applicable to commerce in firearms and ammunition, see Part 478 of this chapter. For regulations applicable to traffic in machine guns, destructive devices, and certain other firearms, see Part 479 of this chapter. For statutes applicable to the registration and licensing of persons engaged in the business of manufacturing, importing or exporting arms, ammunition, or implements of war, see section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778), and regulations of Part 447 of this chapter and in Parts 121 through 128 of Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations. For statutes applicable to nonmailable materials, see 18 U.S.C. 1716 and implementing regulations. For statutes applicable to water quality standards, see 33 U.S.C. 1341.
When used in this part, terms are defined as follows in this section. Words in the plural form include the singular, and vice versa, and words indicating the masculine gender include the feminine. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude other things not named which are in the same general class or are otherwise within the scope of the term defined.
(1) Is a danger to himself or to others; or
(2) Lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage his own affairs.
(b) The term will include—
(1) A finding of insanity by a court in a criminal case; and
(2) Those persons found incompetent to stand trial or found not guilty by reason of lack of mental responsibility by any court or pursuant to articles 50a and 76b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. 850a, 876b.
(a) The full name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, race, street address, State of residence, telephone numbers (home and work), country or countries of citizenship, and position at the employer's business or operations of responsible persons and employees authorized to possess explosive materials;
(b) The business name, address, and license or permit number with which the responsible person or employee is affiliated;
(c) If an alien, INS-issued alien number or admission number; and
(d) Social security number, as optional information (this information is not required but is helpful in avoiding misidentification when a background check is conducted).
(b)
(b)
(b)
(b)
“I declare under the penalties of perjury that this—(insert type of document, such as, statement, application, request, certificate), including the documents submitted in support thereof, has been examined by me and,
(b) The term does not include—
(1) Hobby rocket motors consisting of ammonium perchlorate composite propellant, black powder, or other similar low explosives, regardless of amount; and
(2) Rocket-motor reload kits that can be used to assemble hobby rocket motors containing ammonium perchlorate composite propellant, black powder, or other similar low explosives, regardless of amount.
(1) Before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in a foreign state pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1481(a)(5); or
(2) Before an officer designated by the Attorney General when the United States is in a state of war pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1481(a)(6).
(b) The term will not include any renunciation of citizenship that has been
For
(a) The Director is authorized to prescribe all forms required by this part. All of the information called for in each form shall be furnished as indicated by the headings on the form and the instructions on or pertaining to the form. In addition, information called for in each form shall be furnished as required by this part.
(b) Requests for forms should be mailed to the ATF Distribution Center, 7664 K Fullerton Road, Springfield, Virginia 22150.
(a)
(1) Good cause is shown for the use of the alternate method or procedure;
(2) The alternate method or procedure is within the purpose of, and consistent with the effect intended by, the specifically prescribed method or procedure and that the alternate method or procedure is substantially equivalent to that specifically prescribed method or procedure; and
(3) The alternate method or procedure will not be contrary to any provision of law and will not result in an increase in cost to the Government or hinder the effective administration of this part.
(b)
(1) Will afford security and protection that are substantially equivalent to those prescribed in this part;
(2) Will not hinder the effective administration of this part; and
(3) Will not be contrary to any provisions of law.
(c)
The Director shall compile a list of explosive materials, which shall be published and revised at least annually in the
(a) Any ATF officer may enter during business hours the premises, including places of storage, of any licensee or holder of a user permit for the purpose of inspecting or examining any records or documents required to be kept under this part, and any facilities in which explosive materials are kept or stored.
(b) Any ATF officer may inspect the places of storage for explosive materials of an applicant for a limited permit or, in the case of a holder of a limited permit, at the time of renewal of such permit.
(c) The provisions of paragraph (b) of this section do not apply to an applicant for the renewal of a limited permit if an ATF officer has, within the preceding 3 years, verified by inspection that the applicant's place of storage for explosive materials meets the requirements of subpart K of this part.
Upon receipt of written request from any State or any political subdivision of a State, the regional director (compliance) may make available to the State or political subdivision any information which the regional director (compliance) may obtain under the Act with respect to the identification of persons within the State or political subdivision, who have purchased or received explosive materials, together with a description of the explosive materials.
(a)
(b)
(1) Transport, ship, cause to be transported, or receive in interstate or foreign commerce any explosive materials;
(2) Receive explosive materials from a licensee or permittee, whose premises are located outside the State of residence of the limited permit holder; or
(3) Receive explosive materials on more than 6 separate occasions, during the period of the permit, from one or more licensees or permittees whose premises are located within the State of residence of the limited permit holder. (See § 555.105(b) for the definition of “6 separate occasions.”)
(c)
(1) Is under indictment or information for, or who has been convicted in any court of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
(2) Is a fugitive from justice;
(3) Is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802) and § 555.11);
(4) Has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution;
(5) Is an alien, other than an alien who—
(i) Is lawfully admitted for permanent residence (as that term is defined in section 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101)); or
(ii) Is in lawful nonimmigrant status, is a refugee admitted under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1157), or is in asylum status under section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1158), and—
(A) Is a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government, as determined by the Attorney General in consultation with the Secretary of State, entering the United States on official law enforcement business, and the shipping, transporting, possession, or receipt of explosive materials is in furtherance of this official law enforcement business;
(B) Is a person having the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a corporation, partnership, or association licensed pursuant to section 843(a) of the Act, and the shipping, transporting, possession, or receipt of explosive materials is in furtherance of such power;
(C) Is a member of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or other friendly foreign military force, as determined by the Attorney General in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, (whether or not admitted in a nonimmigrant status) who is present in the United States under military orders for training or other military purpose authorized by the United States, and the shipping, transporting, possession, or receipt of explosive materials is in furtherance of the military purpose; or
(D) Is lawfully present in the United States in cooperation with the Director of Central Intelligence, and the shipment, transportation, receipt, or possession of the explosive materials is in furtherance of such cooperation;
(6) Has been discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions; or
(7) Having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced citizenship.
(d)
(1) Is under twenty-one years of age;
(2) Is under indictment or information for, or who has been convicted in any court of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
(3) Is a fugitive from justice;
(4) Is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802) and § 555.11);
(5) Has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution;
(6) Is an alien, other than an alien who—
(i) Is lawfully admitted for permanent residence (as that term is defined in section 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101)); or
(ii) Is in lawful nonimmigrant status, is a refugee admitted under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1157), or is in asylum status under section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1158), and—
(A) Is a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government, as determined by the Attorney General in consultation with the Secretary of State, entering the United States on official law enforcement business, and the shipping, transporting, possession, or receipt of explosive materials is in furtherance of this official law enforcement business;
(B) Is a person having the power to direct or cause the direction of the
(C) Is a member of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or other friendly foreign military force, as determined by the Attorney General in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, (whether or not admitted in a nonimmigrant status) who is present in the United States under military orders for training or other military purpose authorized by the United States, and the shipping, transporting, possession, or receipt of explosive materials is in furtherance of the military purpose; or
(D) Is lawfully present in the United States in cooperation with the Director of Central Intelligence, and the shipment, transportation, receipt, or possession of the explosive materials is in furtherance of such cooperation;
(7) Has been discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions; or
(8) Having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced citizenship.
(e) See § 555.180 for regulations concerning the prohibited manufacture, importation, exportation, shipment, transportation, receipt, transfer, or possession of plastic explosives that do not contain a detection agent.
(a) No nonlicensee or nonpermittee may distribute any explosive materials to any other nonlicensee or nonpermittee who the distributor knows or who has reasonable cause to believe does not reside in the State in which the distributor resides.
(b) The provisions of this section do not apply on and after May 24, 2003.
No person shall receive, conceal, transport, ship, store, barter, sell, or dispose of any stolen explosive materials knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the explosive materials were stolen.
No person shall store any explosive materials in a manner not in conformity with this part.
(a) Any licensee or permittee who has knowledge of the theft or loss of any explosive materials from his stock shall, within 24 hours of discovery, report the theft or loss by telephoning 1-800-800-3855 (nationwide toll free number) and on ATF F 5400.5 (formerly Form 4712) in accordance with the instructions on the form. Theft or loss of any explosive materials shall also be reported to appropriate local authorities.
(b) Any other person, except a carrier of explosive materials, who has knowledge of the theft or loss of any explosive materials from his stock shall, within 24 hours of discovery, report the theft or loss by telephoning 1-800-800-3855 (nationwide toll free number) and in writing to the nearest ATF office. Theft or loss shall be reported to appropriate local authorities.
(c) Reports of theft or loss of explosive materials under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section must include the following information, if known:
(1) The manufacturer or brand name.
(2) The manufacturer's marks of identification (date and shift code).
(3) Quantity (applicable quantity units, such as pounds of explosives, number of detonators, etc.).
(4) Description (dynamite, blasting agents, detonators, etc.) and United Nations (UN) identification number, hazard division number, and classification letter, e.g., 1.1D, as classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation at 49 CFR 172.101 and 173.52.
(5) Size (length and diameter).
(d) A carrier of explosive materials who has knowledge of the theft or loss of any explosive materials shall, within 24 hours of discovery, report the theft or loss by telephoning 1-800-800-3855 (nationwide toll free number). Theft or loss shall also be reported to appropriate local authorities. Reports of theft or loss of explosive materials by
(1) The manufacturer or brand name.
(2) Quantity (applicable quantity units, such as pounds of explosives, number of detonators, etc.).
(3) Description (United Nations (UN) identification number, hazard division number, and classification letter, e.g., 1.1D) as classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation at 49 CFR 172.101 and 173.52.
Any ATF officer may inspect the site of any accident or fire in which there is reason to believe that explosive materials were involved. Any ATF officer may enter into or upon any property where explosive materials have been used, are suspected of having been used, or have been found in an otherwise unauthorized location.
The Director may exempt certain explosive actuated devices, explosive actuated tools, or similar devices from the requirements of this part. A person who desires to obtain an exemption under this section for any special explosive device, which as designed does not constitute a public safety or security hazard, shall submit a written request to the Director. Each request shall be executed under the penalties of perjury and contain a complete and accurate description of the device, the name and address of the manufacturer or importer, the purpose of and use for which it is intended, and any photographs, diagrams, or drawings as may be necessary to enable the Director to make a determination. The Director may require that a sample of the device be submitted for examination and evaluation. If it is not possible to submit the device, the person requesting the exemption shall advise the Director and designate the place where the device will be available for examination and evaluation.
(a)
(2) The Director will determine whether the responsible person or employee is one of the persons described in any paragraph of section 842(i) of the Act (see § 555.26). In making such determination, the Director may take into account a letter or document issued under paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
(3)(i) If the Director determines that the responsible person or the employee is not one of the persons described in any paragraph of section 842(i) of the Act (see § 555.26), the Director will notify the employer in writing or electronically of the determination and issue, to the responsible person or employee, as the case may be, a letter of clearance which confirms the determination.
(ii) If the Director determines that the responsible person or employee is one of the persons described in any paragraph of section 842(i) of the Act (see § 555.26), ATF will notify the employer in writing or electronically of the determination and issue to the responsible person or the employee, as the case may be, a document that confirms the determination; explains the grounds for the determination; provides information on how the disability may be relieved; and explains how the determination may be appealed. The employer will retain the notification as part of his permanent records in accordance with § 555.121. The employer will take immediate steps to remove the responsible person from his position directing the management or policies of the business or operations as they relate to explosive materials or, as the case may be, to remove the employee from a position requiring the possession of explosive materials. Also, if the employer has listed the employee as a person authorized to accept delivery of explosive materials, as specified
(b)
(2)
(3)
When any Form 5400.30 is stolen, lost, or destroyed, the person losing possession will, upon discovery of the theft, loss, or destruction, immediately, but in all cases before 24 hours have elapsed since discovery, report the matter to the Director by telephoning 1-888-ATF-BOMB (nationwide toll free
(a)
(i) Explosive materials from a licensee in a State contiguous to the user's State of residence and the user's State of residence has enacted legislation, currently in force, specifically authorizing a resident of that State to purchase explosive materials in a contiguous State; or
(ii) Commercially manufactured black powder in quantities not to exceed 50 pounds, intended to be used solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes in antique firearms or in antique devices.
(2) Each person intending to engage in business as an explosive materials importer, manufacturer, or dealer must file an application, with the required fee (see § 555.42), with ATF in accordance with the instructions on the form (see § 555.45). A license will, subject to law, entitle the licensee to transport, ship, and receive explosive materials in interstate or foreign commerce, and to engage in the business specified by the license, at the location described on the license. A separate license must be obtained for each business premises at which the applicant is to manufacture, import, or distribute explosive materials except under the following circumstances:
(i) A separate license will not be required for storage facilities operated by the licensee as an integral part of one business premises or to cover a location used by the licensee solely for maintaining the records required by this part.
(ii) A separate license will not be required of a licensed manufacturer with respect to his on-site manufacturing.
(iii) It will not be necessary for a licensed importer or a licensed manufacturer (for purposes of sale or distribution) to also obtain a dealer's license in order to engage in business on his licensed premises as a dealer in explosive materials.
(iv) A separate license will not be required of licensed manufacturers with respect to their on-site manufacture of theatrical flash powder.
(3) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, each person intending to acquire explosive materials from a licensee in a State other than a State in which he resides, or from a foreign country, or who intends to transport explosive materials in interstate or foreign commerce, must file an application, with the required fee (see § 555.43), with ATF in accordance with the instructions on the form (see § 555.45). A permit will, subject to law, entitle the permittee to acquire, transport, ship, and receive in interstate or foreign commerce explosive materials. Only one permit is required under this part.
(b)
(ii) Each person who intends to acquire for use explosive materials within the State in which he resides on no
(iii) Each person who intends to acquire for use explosive materials from a licensee or permittee in a State other than the State in which he resides, or from a foreign country, or who intends to transport explosive materials in interstate or foreign commerce, or who intends to acquire for use explosive materials within the State in which he resides on more than 6 separate occasions during a 12-month period, must obtain a user permit under this subpart.
(iv) It is not necessary to obtain a permit if the user intends only to lawfully purchase commercially manufactured black powder in quantities not to exceed 50 pounds, intended to be used solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes in antique firearms or in antique devices.
(2)
(i) A separate license will not be required for storage facilities operated by the licensee as an integral part of one business premises or to cover a location used by the licensee solely for maintaining the records required by this part.
(ii) A separate license will not be required of a licensed manufacturer with respect to his on-site manufacturing.
(iii) It will not be necessary for a licensed importer or a licensed manufacturer (for purposes of sale or distribution) to also obtain a dealer's license in order to engage in business on his licensed premises as a dealer in explosive materials. No licensee will be required to obtain a user permit to lawfully transport, ship, or receive explosive materials in interstate or foreign commerce.
(iv) A separate license will not be required of licensed manufacturers with respect to their on-site manufacture of theatrical flash powder.
(3)
(ii) Each person intending to acquire explosive materials from a licensee in a State other than a State in which he resides, or from a foreign country, or who intends to transport explosive materials in interstate or foreign commerce, must file an application for a user permit, with the required fee (
(a) Each applicant shall pay a fee for obtaining a three year license, a separate fee being required for each business premises, as follows:
(1) Manufacturer—$200.
(2) Importer—$200.
(3) Dealer—$200.
(b) Each applicant for a renewal of a license shall pay a fee for a three year license as follows:
(1) Manufacturer—$100.
(2) Importer—$100.
(3) Dealer—$100.
(a) Each applicant must pay a fee for obtaining a permit as follows:
(1) User—$100 for a three-year period.
(2) User-limited (nonrenewable)—$75.
(3) Limited—$25 for a one-year period.
(b)(1) Each applicant for renewal of a user permit must pay a fee of $50 for a three-year period.
(2) Each applicant for renewal of a limited permit must pay a fee of $12 for a one-year period.
No refund of any part of the amount paid as a license or permit fee will be made where the operations of the licensee or permittee are, for any reason, discontinued during the period of an issued license or permit. However, the license or permit fee submitted with an application for a license or permit will be refunded if that application is denied, withdrawn, or abandoned, or if a license is cancelled subsequent to having been issued through administrative error.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(i) Be executed under the penalties of perjury and the penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 844(a);
(ii) Include appropriate identifying information concerning each responsible person;
(iii) Include a photograph and fingerprints for each responsible person;
(iv) Include the names of and appropriate identifying information regarding all employees who will be authorized by the applicant to possess explosive materials by submitting ATF F 5400.28 for each employee; and
(v) Include the appropriate fee in the form of money order or check made payable to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
(2)
(i) Be executed under the penalties of perjury and the penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 844(a);
(ii) Include a photograph, fingerprints, and appropriate identifying information for each responsible person;
(iii) Include the names of and appropriate identifying information regarding all employees who will be authorized by the applicant to possess explosive materials by submitting ATF F 5400.28 for each employee; and
(iv) Include the appropriate fee in the form of money order or check made payable to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
(3) The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, will conduct background checks on responsible persons and employees authorized by the applicant to possess explosive materials in accordance with § 555.33. If it is determined that any responsible person or employee is described in any paragraph of section 842(i) of the Act, the applicant must submit an amended application indicating removal or reassignment of that person before the license or permit will be issued.
(a) If a licensee or permittee intends to continue the business or operation described on a license or permit issued under this part after the expiration date of the license or permit, he shall, unless otherwise notified in writing by the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, execute and file prior to the expiration of his license or permit an application for license renewal, ATF F 5400.14 (Part III), or an application for permit renewal, ATF F 5400.15 (Part III), accompanied by the required fee, with ATF in accordance with the instructions on the form. In the event the licensee or permittee does not timely file a renewal application, he shall file an original application as required by § 555.45, and obtain the required license or permit in order to continue business or operations.
(b) A user-limited permit is not renewable and is valid for a single purchase transaction. Applications for all user-limited permits must be filed on ATF F 5400.16 or ATF F 5400.21, as required by § 555.45.
If an application is filed with an insufficient fee, the application and fee
Upon receipt of an incomplete or improperly executed application, the applicant will be notified of the deficiency in the application. If the application is not corrected and returned within 30 days following the date of notification, the application will be considered as having been abandoned and the license or permit fee returned.
(a)
(i) A properly executed application for the license or permit is received; and
(ii) Through further inquiry or investigation, or otherwise, it is found that the applicant is entitled to the license or permit.
(2) The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, will approve a properly executed application for a license or permit, if:
(i) The applicant is 21 years of age or over;
(ii) The applicant (including, in the case of a corporation, partnership, or association, any individual possessing, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the corporation, partnership, or association) is not a person to whom distribution of explosive materials is prohibited under the Act;
(iii) The applicant has not willfully violated any provisions of the Act or this part;
(iv) The applicant has not knowingly withheld information or has not made any false or fictitious statement intended or likely to deceive, in connection with his application;
(v) The applicant has in a State, premises from which he conducts business or operations subject to license or permit under the Act or from which he intends to conduct business or operations;
(vi) The applicant has storage for the class (as described in § 555.202) of explosive materials described on the application, unless he establishes to the satisfaction of the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, that the business or operations to be conducted will not require the storage of explosive materials;
(vii) The applicant has certified in writing that he is familiar with and understands all published State laws and local ordinances relating to explosive materials for the location in which he intends to do business; and
(viii) The applicant for a license has submitted the certificate required by section 21 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1341).
(3) The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, will approve or the regional director (compliance) will deny any application for a license or permit within the 45-day period beginning on the date a properly executed application was received. However, when an applicant for license or permit renewal is a person who is, under the provisions of § 555.83 or § 555.142, conducting business or operations under a previously issued license or permit, action regarding the application will be held in abeyance pending the completion of the proceedings against the applicant's existing license or permit, or renewal application, or final action by the Director on an application for relief submitted under § 555.142, as the case may be.
(4) The license or permit and one copy will be forwarded to the applicant, except that in the case of a user-limited permit, the original only will be issued.
(5) Each license or permit will bear a serial number and this number may be assigned to the licensee or permittee to whom issued for as long as he maintains continuity of renewal in the same region.
(b)
(i) A properly executed application for the license or permit is received; and
(ii) Through further inquiry or investigation, or otherwise, it is found that the applicant is entitled to the license or permit.
(2) The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, will approve a properly executed application for a license or permit, if:
(i) The applicant (or, if the applicant is a corporation, partnership, or association, each responsible person with respect to the applicant) is not a person described in any paragraph of section 842(i) of the Act;
(ii) The applicant has not willfully violated any provisions of the Act or this part;
(iii) The applicant has not knowingly withheld information or has not made any false or fictitious statement intended or likely to deceive, in connection with his application;
(iv) The applicant has in a State, premises from which he conducts business or operations subject to license or permit under the Act or from which he intends to conduct business or operations;
(v) The applicant has storage for the class (as described in § 555.202) of explosive materials described on the application;
(vi) The applicant has certified in writing that he is familiar with and understands all published State laws and local ordinances relating to explosive materials for the location in which he intends to do business;
(vii) The applicant for a license has submitted the certificate required by section 21 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1341);
(viii) None of the employees of the applicant who will be authorized by the applicant to possess explosive materials is a person described in any paragraph of section 842(i) of the Act; and
(ix) In the case of an applicant for a limited permit, the applicant has certified in writing that the applicant will not receive explosive materials on more than 6 separate occasions during the 12-month period for which the limited permit is valid.
(3) The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, will approve or the regional director (compliance) will deny any application for a license or permit within the 90-day period beginning on the date a properly executed application was received. However, when an applicant for license or permit renewal is a person who is, under the provisions of § 555.83 or § 555.142, conducting business or operations under a previously issued license or permit, action regarding the application will be held in abeyance pending the completion of the proceedings against the applicant's existing license or permit, or renewal application, or final action by the Director on an application for relief submitted under § 555.142, as the case may be.
(4) The license or permit and one copy will be forwarded to the applicant, except that in the case of a user-limited permit, the original only will be issued.
(5) Each license or permit will bear a serial number and this number may be assigned to the licensee or permittee to whom issued for as long as he maintains continuity of renewal in the same region.
(a) Upon receipt of a license or permit issued under this part, each licensee or permittee shall examine the license or permit to insure that the information on it is accurate. If the license or permit is incorrect, the licensee or permittee shall return the license or permit to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, with a statement showing the nature of the error. The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, shall correct the error, if the error was made in his office, and return the license or permit. However, if the error resulted from information contained in the licensee's or permittee's application for the license or permit, the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, shall require the licensee or permittee to file an amended application setting forth
(b) When the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, finds through any means other than notice from the licensee or permittee that an incorrect license or permit has been issued, (1) the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, may require the holder of the incorrect license or permit to return the license or permit for correction, and (2) if the error resulted from information contained in the licensee's or permittee's application for the license or permit, the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, shall require the licensee or permittee to file an amended application setting forth the correct information, and a statement satisfactorily explaining the error contained in the application. The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, then shall make the correction on the license or permit and return it to the licensee or permittee.
(a)
(b)
(2) A limited permit is issued for a period of one year. A renewal limited permit is also issued for a period of one year.
(a) The license covers the business of explosive materials specified in the license at the licensee's business premises (see § 555.41(b)).
(b) The permit is valid with respect to the type of operations of explosive materials specified in the permit.
Licenses and permits issued under this part are not transferable to another person. In the event of the lease, sale, or other transfer of the business or operations covered by the license or permit, the successor must obtain the license or permit required by this part before commencing business or operations. However, for rules on right of succession, see § 555.59.
(a) During the term of a license or permit, a licensee or permittee may move his business or operations to a new address at which he intends to regularly carry on his business or operations, without procuring a new license or permit. However, in every case, the licensee or permittee shall—
(1) Give notification of the new location of the business or operations to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center at least 10 days before the move; and
(2) Submit the license or permit to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center. The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center will issue an amended license or permit, which will contain the new address (and new license or permit number, if any).
(b) Licensees and permittees whose mailing address will change must notify the Chief, Firearms and Explosives
A licensee or permittee continuing to conduct business or operations at the location shown on his license or permit is not required to obtain a new license or permit by reason of a mere change in trade name under which he conducts his business or operations. However, the licensee or permittee shall furnish his license or permit and any copies furnished with the license or permit for endorsement of the change to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, within 30 days from the date the licensee or permittee begins his business or operations under the new trade name.
(a) In the case of a corporation or association holding a license or permit under this part, if actual or legal control of the corporation or association changes, directly or indirectly, whether by reason of change in stock ownership or control (in the corporation holding a license or permit or in any other corporation), by operation of law, or in any other manner, the licensee or permittee shall, within 30 days of the change, give written notification executed under the penalties of perjury, to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center. Upon expiration of the license or permit, the corporation or association shall file an ATF F 5400.13 or an ATF F 5400.16 as required by § 555.45, and pay the fee prescribed in § 555.42(b) or § 555.43(b).
(b) For all licenses or permits issued on and after May 24, 2003, each person holding the license or permit must report to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, any change in responsible persons or employees authorized to possess explosive materials. Such report must be submitted within 30 days of the change and must include appropriate identifying information for each responsible person. Reports relating to newly hired employees authorized to possess explosive materials must be submitted on ATF F 5400.28 for each employee.
(c) Upon receipt of a report, the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, will conduct a background check, if appropriate, in accordance with § 555.33.
(d) The reports required by paragraph (b) of this section must be retained as part of a licensee's or permittee's permanent records for the period specified in § 555.121.
Where, under the laws of the particular State, the partnership is not terminated on death or insolvency of a partner, but continues until the winding up of the partnership affairs is completed, and the surviving partner has the exclusive right to the control and possession of the partnership assets for the purpose of liquidation and settlement, the surviving partner may continue to conduct the business or operations under the license or permit of the partnership. If the surviving partner acquires the business or operations on completion of settlement of the partnership, he shall obtain a license or permit in his own name from the date of acquisition, as provided in § 555.45. The rule set forth in this section will also apply where there is more than one surviving partner.
(a) Certain persons other than the licensee or permittee may secure the right to carry on the same explosive materials business or operations at the same business premises for the remainder of the term of license or permit. These persons are:
(1) The surviving spouse or child, or executor, administrator, or other legal
(2) A receiver or trustee in bankruptcy, or an assignee for benefit of creditors.
(b) In order to secure the right of succession, the person or persons continuing the business or operations shall submit the license or permit and all copies furnished with the license or permit for endorsement of the succession to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, within 30 days from the date on which the successor begins to carry on the business or operations.
A licensee or permittee who furnishes his license or permit to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, for correction, amendment, or endorsement, as provided in this subpart, may continue his business or operations while awaiting its return.
Where an explosive materials business or operations is either discontinued or succeeded by a new owner, the owner of the business or operations discontinued or succeeded shall, within 30 days, furnish notification of the discontinuance or succession and submit his license or permit and any copies furnished with the license or permit to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center. (See also § 555.128.)
A license or permit issued under this part confers no right or privilege to conduct business or operations, including storage, contrary to State or other law. The holder of a license or permit issued under this part is not, by reason of the rights and privileges granted by that license or permit, immune from punishment for conducting an explosive materials business or operations in violation of the provisions of any State or other law. Similarly, compliance with the provisions of any State or other law affords no immunity under Federal law or regulations.
(a)
(2) A magazine is considered suitable for the storage of explosives if the construction requirements of this part are met during the time explosives are stored in the magazine.
(3) A magazine is considered suitable for the storage of explosives if positioned in accordance with the applicable table of distances as specified in this part during the time explosives are stored in the magazine.
(4) For the purposes of this section, notification of the regional director (compliance) may be by telephone or in writing. However, if notification of the regional director (compliance) is in writing it must be at least three business days in advance of making changes in construction to an existing magazine or constructing a new magazine, and at least five business days in advance of using any reconstructed magazine or added magazine for the storage of explosives.
(b)
(c)
(d)
Except in cases of willfulness or those in which the public interest requires otherwise, and the regional director (compliance) so alleges in the notice of denial of an application or revocation of a license or permit, no license or permit will be revoked or renewal application denied without first calling to the attention of the licensee or permittee the reasons for the contemplated action and affording him an opportunity to demonstrate or achieve compliance with all lawful requirements and to submit facts, arguments, or proposals of adjustment. The notice of contemplated action, ATF F 5400.12, will afford the licensee or permittee 15 days from the date of receipt of the notice to respond. If no response is received within the 15 days, or if after consideration of relevant matters presented by the licensee or permittee, the regional director (compliance) finds that the licensee or permittee is not likely to abide by the law and regulations, he will proceed as provided in § 555.74.
Whenever the regional director (compliance) has reason to believe that an applicant for an original license or permit is not eligible to receive a license or permit under the provisions of § 555.49, he shall issue a notice of denial on ATF F 5400.11. The notice will set forth the matters of fact and law relied upon in determining that the application should be denied, and will afford the applicant 15 days from the date of receipt of the notice in which to request a hearing to review the denial. If no request for a hearing is filed within that time, a copy of the application, marked “Disapproved”, will be returned to the applicant.
If the applicant for an original license or permit desires a hearing, he shall file a request with the regional director (compliance) within 15 days after receipt of the notice of denial. The request should include a statement of the reasons for a hearing. On receipt of the request, the regional director (compliance) shall refer the matter to an administrative law judge who shall set a time and place (see § 555.77) for a hearing and shall serve notice of the hearing upon the applicant and the regional director (compliance) at least 10 days in advance of the hearing date. The hearing will be conducted in accordance with the hearing procedures prescribed in part 71 of this chapter (see § 555.82). Within a reasonable time after the conclusion of the hearing, and as expeditiously as possible, the administrative law judge shall render his recommended decision. He shall certify to the complete record of the proceedings before him and shall immediately forward the complete certified record, together with four copies of his recommended decision, to the regional director (compliance) for decision.
If following the opportunity for compliance under § 555.71, or without opportunity for compliance under § 555.71, as circumstances warrant, the regional director (compliance) finds that the licensee or permittee is not likely to comply with the law or regulations or is otherwise not eligible to continue operations authorized under his license or permit, the regional director (compliance) shall issue a notice of denial of the renewal application or revocation of the license or permit, ATF F 5400.11 or ATF F 5400.10, as appropriate. In either case, the notice will set forth the matters of fact constituting the violations specified, dates, places, and the sections of law and regulations violated. The notice will, in the case of revocation of a license or permit, specify the date on which the action is effective, which date will be on or after the date the notice is served on the licensee or permittee. The notice will also advise the licensee or permittee that he may, within 15 days after receipt of the notice, request a hearing and, if applicable, a stay of the effective date of the revocation of his license or permit.
If a licensee or permittee whose renewal application has been denied or whose license or permit has been revoked desires a hearing, he shall file a request for a hearing with the regional director (compliance). In the case of the revocation of a license or permit, he may include a request for a stay of the effective date of the revocation. On receipt of the request the regional director (compliance) shall advise the licensee or permittee whether the stay of the effective date of the revocation is granted. If the stay of the effective date of the revocation is granted, the regional director (compliance) shall refer the matter to an administrative law judge who shall set a time and place (see § 555.77) for a hearing and shall serve notice of the hearing upon the licensee or permittee and the regional director (compliance) at least 10 days in advance of the hearing date. If the stay of the effective date of the revocation is denied, the licensee or permittee may request an immediate hearing. In this event, the regional director (compliance) shall immediately refer the matter to an administrative law judge who shall set a date and place for a hearing, which date shall be no later than 10 days from the date the licensee or permittee requested an immediate hearing. The hearing will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of part 71 of this chapter. Within a reasonable time after the conclusion of the hearing, and as expeditiously as possible, the administrative law judge shall render his decision. He shall certify to the complete record of the proceeding before him and shall immediately forward the complete certified record, together with two copies of his decision, to the regional director (compliance), serve one copy of his decision on the licensee or permittee or his counsel, and transmit a copy to the attorney for the Government.
(a)
(b)
(1) If renewal application was timely filed and a stay of the effective date of the revocation was granted, cause to be issued a license or permit effective on the date of issuance;
(2) If renewal application was not timely filed but a stay of the effective date of the revocation had been granted, request that a renewal application be filed and, following that, cause to be issued a license or permit to be effective on issuance; or
(3) If a stay of the effective date of the revocation had not been granted, request that an application be filed as provided in § 555.45, and process it in the same manner as for an application for an original license or permit.
(c)
The designated place of hearing set as provided in § 555.73 or § 555.75, will be at the location convenient to the aggrieved party.
An applicant, licensee, or permittee may be represented by an attorney, certified public accountant, or other person recognized to practice before the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms as provided in 31 CFR Part 8, if he has otherwise complied with the applicable requirements of 26 CFR
An appeal to the Director is not required prior to filing an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for judicial review. An appeal may be taken by the applicant, licensee, or permittee to the Director from a decision resulting from a hearing under § 555.73 or § 555.75. An appeal may also be taken by a regional director (compliance) from a decision resulting from a hearing under § 555.75 as provided in § 555.76(b). The appeal shall be taken by filing a petition for review on appeal with the Director within 15 days of the service of an administrative law judge's decision or an order. The petition will set forth facts tending to show (a) action of an arbitrary nature, (b) action without reasonable warrant in fact, or (c) action contrary to law and regulations. A copy of the petition will be filed with the regional director (compliance) or served on the applicant, licensee, or permittee, as the case may be. In the event of appeal, the regional director (compliance) shall immediately forward the complete original record, by certified mail, to the Director for his consideration, review, and disposition as provided in subpart I of part 71 of this chapter. When, on appeal, the Director affirms the initial decision of the regional director (compliance) or the administrative law judge, as the case may be, the initial decision will be final.
An applicant, licensee, or permittee may, within 60 days after receipt of the decision of the administrative law judge or the final order of the regional director (compliance) or the Director, file a petition for a judicial review of the decision, with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the district in which he resides or has his principal place of business. The Director, upon notification that a petition has been filed, shall have prepared a complete transcript of the record of the proceedings. The regional director (compliance) or the Director, as the case may be, shall certify to the correctness of the transcript of the record, forward one copy to the attorney for the Government in the review of the case, and file the original record of the proceedings with the original certificate in the U.S. Court of Appeals.
All notices and other formal documents required to be served on an applicant, licensee, or permittee under this subpart will be served by certified mail or by personal delivery. Where service is by personal delivery, the signed duplicate original copy of the formal document will be delivered to the applicant, licensee, or permittee, or, in the case of a corporation, partnership, or association, by delivering it to an officer, manager, or general agent, or to its attorney of record.
The provisions of subpart G of part 200 of this chapter, as well as those provisions of part 71 relative to failure to appear, withdrawal of an application or surrender of a permit, the conduct of hearings before an administrative law judge, and record of testimony, are hereby made applicable to application, license, and permit proceedings under this subpart to the extent that they are not contrary to or incompatible with this subpart.
In any case where a notice of revocation has been issued and a request for a stay of the effective date of the revocation has not been granted, the licensee
A license or user permit issued under this part, or a copy of a license or user permit, will be posted and available for inspection on the business premises at each place where explosive materials are manufactured, imported, or distributed.
(a)
(b)
(2)
(a)
(ii) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer or licensed dealer selling or otherwise distributing explosive materials (or a permittee disposing of surplus stock to another licensee or permittee) must verify the license or permit status of the distributee prior to the release of explosive materials ordered, as required by this section.
(iii) Licensees or permittees desiring to return explosive materials to a licensed manufacturer may do so without obtaining a certified copy of the manufacturer's license.
(iv) Where possession of explosive materials is transferred at the distributor's premises, the distributor must in all instances verify the identity of the
An ATF F 5400.8 is required when:
a. An employee of the purchaser takes possession at the distributor's premises.
b. An employee of a common or contract carrier hired by the purchaser takes possession at the distributor's premises.
An ATF F 5400.8 is not required when:
a. An employee of the distributor takes possession of the explosives for the purpose of transport to the purchaser.
b. An employee of a common or contract carrier hired by the distributor takes possession of the explosives for the purpose of transport to the purchaser.
(2)
(ii) The distributor may obtain any additional verification as the distributor deems necessary.
(3)
(ii) A business organization must, prior to ordering explosive materials, furnish the licensee or permittee a current certified list of the representatives or agents authorized to order explosive materials on behalf of the business organization showing the name, address, and date and place of birth of each representative or agent. A licensee or permittee may not distribute explosive materials to a business organization on the order of a person who does not appear on the certified list of representatives or agents and, if the person does appear on the certified list, the licensee or permittee must verify the identity of such person.
(4)
(ii) For individuals, the certified statement of intended use must specify the name, address, date and place of birth, and social security number of the distributee.
(iii) For business organizations, the certified statement of intended use must specify the taxpayer identification number, the identity and the principal and local places of business.
(iv) The licensee or permittee purchasing explosive materials must revise the furnished copy of the certified statement only when the information is no longer current.
(5)
(b)
(ii) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer or licensed dealer selling or otherwise distributing explosive materials (or a holder of a user permit disposing of surplus stock to another licensee or permittee) must verify the license or permit status of the distributee prior to the release of explosive materials ordered, as required by this section.
(iii) Licensees or permittees desiring to return explosive materials to a licensed manufacturer may do so without obtaining a certified copy of the manufacturer's license.
(2)
(ii) The distributee must also provide the distributor with a current list of the names of persons authorized to accept delivery of explosive materials on behalf of the distributee. The distributee ordering explosive materials must keep the list current and provide updated lists to licensees and holders of user permits on a timely basis. A distributor may not transfer possession of explosive materials to any person whose name does not appear on the current list of names of persons authorized to accept delivery of explosive materials on behalf of the distributee. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, in all instances the distributor must verify the identity of the distributee, or the employee of the distributee accepting possession of explosive materials on behalf of the distributee, by examining an identification document (as defined in § 555.11) before relinquishing possession.
(iii) A licensee or holder of a user permit ordering explosive materials from another licensee or permittee must provide to the distributor a current, certified statement of the intended use of the explosive materials,
(A) For individuals, the certified statement of intended use must specify the name, address, date and place of birth, and social security number of the distributee.
(B) For business organizations, the certified statement of intended use must specify the taxpayer identification number, the identity and the principal and local places of business.
(C) The licensee or holder of a user permit purchasing explosive materials must revise the furnished copy of the certified statement only when the information is no longer current.
(3)
(i) Verify the identity of the person accepting possession for the common or contract carrier by examining such person's valid, unexpired driver's license issued by any State, Canada, or Mexico; and
(ii) Record the name of the common or contract carrier (
(4)
Except as provided in § 555.49(a), each person issued a license or permit under this part shall be furnished together with his license or permit a copy for his certification. If a person desires an additional copy of his license or permit for certification and for use under § 555.103, he shall:
(a) Make a reproduction of the copy of his license or permit and execute the certification on it;
(b) Make a reproduction of his license or permit, enter on the reproduction the statement: “I certify that this is a true copy of a (
(c) Submit a request, in writing, for certified copies of his license or permit to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center. The request will show the name, trade name (if any), and address of the licensee or permittee and the number of copies of the license or permit desired. There is a fee of $1 for each copy of a license or permit issued by the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center under this paragraph. Fee payment must accompany each request for additional copies of a license or permit. The fee must be paid by (1) cash, or (2) money order or check made payable to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
(a)
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer may distribute explosive materials to a nonlicensee or nonpermittee if the nonlicensee or nonpermittee is a resident of the same State in which the licensee's business premises are located, and the nonlicensee or nonpermittee furnishes to the licensee the explosives transaction record, ATF F 5400.4, required by § 555.126. Disposition of ATF F 5400.4 will be made in accordance with § 555.126.
(3) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer may sell or distribute explosive materials to a resident of a State contiguous to the State in which the licensee's place of business is located if the purchaser's State of residence has enacted legislation, currently in force, specifically authorizing a resident of that State to purchase explosive materials in a contiguous State and the purchaser and the licensee have, prior to the distribution of the explosive materials, complied with all the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(5), and (a)(6) of this section applicable to intrastate transactions occurring on the licensee's business premises.
(4) A permittee may dispose of surplus stocks of explosive materials to a nonlicensee or nonpermittee if the nonlicensee or nonpermittee is a resident of the same State in which the permittee's business premises or operations are located, or is a resident of a State contiguous to the State in which the permittee's place of business or operations are located, and if the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(5), and (a)(6) of this section are fully met.
(5) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer selling or otherwise distributing explosive materials to a business entity must verify the identity of the representative or agent of the business entity
(6) Where the possession of explosive materials is transferred at the distributor's premises, the distributor must in all instances verify the identity of the person accepting possession on behalf of the distributee before relinquishing possession. Before the delivery at the distributor's premises of explosive materials to an employee of a nonlicensee or nonpermittee, or to an employee of a common or contract carrier transporting explosive materials to a nonlicensee or nonpermittee, the distributor delivering explosive materials must obtain an executed ATF F 5400.8 from the employee before releasing the explosive materials. The ATF F 5400.8 must contain all of the information required on the form and by this part. (
(7) A licensee or permittee disposing of surplus stock may sell or distribute commercially manufactured black powder in quantities of 50 pounds or less to a nonlicensee or nonpermittee if the black powder is intended to be used solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes in antique firearms as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(16), or in antique devices as exempted from the term “destructive device” in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(4).
(b)
(2) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer or a licensed dealer may distribute explosive materials to a holder of a limited permit if such permittee is a resident of the same State in which the licensee's business premises are located, the holder of the limited permit presents in person or by mail ATF Form 5400.4, Limited Permittee Transaction Report (LPTR), and the licensee completes Form 5400.4 in accordance with § 555.126(b). In no event will a licensee distribute explosive materials to a holder of a limited permit unless the holder presents a Form 5400.4 with an original unaltered and unexpired Intrastate Purchase of Explosives Coupon (IPEC), ATF Form 5400.30, affixed. The coupon must bear the name, address, permit number, and the coupon number of the limited permittee seeking distribution of the explosives.
(3) A holder of a limited permit is authorized to receive explosive materials from a licensee or permittee whose premises are located in the same State of residence in which the premises of the holder of the limited permit are located on no more than 6 separate occasions during the one-year period of the permit. For purposes of this section, the term “6 separate occasions” means six deliveries of explosive materials. Each delivery must—
(i) Relate to a single purchase transaction made on one ATF F 5400.4;
(ii) Be referenced on one commercial invoice or purchase order; and
(iii) Be delivered to the holder of the limited permit in one shipment delivered at the same time.
(4) A holder of a user permit may dispose of surplus stocks of explosive materials to a licensee or holder of a user permit, or a holder of a limited permit who is a resident of the same State in which the premises of the holder of the user permit are located. A holder of a limited permit may dispose of surplus stocks of explosive materials to another holder of a limited permit who is a resident of the same State in which the premises of the distributor are located, if the transaction complies with the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this section and § 555.126(b). A holder of a limited permit may also dispose of surplus stocks of explosive materials to a licensee or holder of a user permit if the disposition occurs in the State of residence of the holder of the limited permit. (
(5) Each holder of a limited permit ordering explosive materials must furnish the distributing licensee prior to or with the first order of the explosive materials a current list of the names of employees authorized to accept delivery of explosive materials on behalf of the limited permittee. The distributee ordering explosive materials must keep the list current and provide updated lists to licensees and holders of user permits on a timely basis. A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or permittee, selling or otherwise distributing explosive materials to a holder of a limited permit must, prior to delivering the explosive materials, obtain from the limited permittee a current list of persons who are authorized to accept deliveries of explosive materials on behalf of the limited permittee. A licensee or permittee may not deliver explosive materials to a person whose name does not appear on the list.
(6)(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(A) The limited permittee must, prior to delivery of the explosive materials, complete the appropriate section on Form 5400.4, affix to the Form 5400.4 one of the six IPECs he has been issued, and provide the form to the distributor in person or by mail.
(B) The distributor must, before relinquishing possession of the explosive materials to the common or contract carrier:
(
(
(C) At the time of delivery of the explosive materials, the common or contract carrier, as agent for the distributor, must verify the identity of the person accepting delivery on behalf of the distributee, note the type and number of the identification document (as defined in § 555.11) and provide this information to the distributor. The distributor must enter this information in the appropriate section on Form 5400.4.
(iv)
(A) The limited permittee must, prior to delivery of the explosive materials, complete the appropriate section on Form 5400.4, affix to the Form 5400.4 one of the six IPECs he has been issued, and provide the form to the distributor in person or by mail.
(B) Before the delivery at the distributor's premises to the common or contract carrier who will transport explosive materials to the holder of a limited permit, the distributor must:
(
(
(7) A licensee or permittee disposing of surplus stock may sell or distribute commercially manufactured black powder in quantities of 50 pounds or less to a holder of a limited permit, nonlicensee, or nonpermittee if the black powder is intended to be used solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes in antique firearms as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(16), or in antique devices as exempted from the term “destructive device” in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(4).
(a) A licensee or permittee may not distribute explosive materials to any person except—
(1) A licensee;
(2) A holder of a user permit; or
(3) A holder of a limited permit who is a resident of the State where distribution is made and in which the premises of the transferor are located.
(b) A licensee shall not distribute any explosive materials to any person:
(1) Who the licensee knows is less than 21 years of age;
(2) In any State where the purchase, possession, or use by a person of explosive materials would be in violation of any State law or any published ordinance applicable at the place of distribution;
(3) Who the licensee has reason to believe intends to transport the explosive materials into a State where the purchase, possession, or use of explosive materials is prohibited or which does not permit its residents to transport or ship explosive materials into the State or to receive explosive materials in the State; or
(4) Who the licensee has reasonable cause to believe intends to use the explosive materials for other than a lawful purpose.
(c) A licensee shall not distribute any explosive materials to any person knowing or having reason to believe that the person:
(1) Is, except as provided under § 555.142 (d) and (e), under indictment or information for, or was convicted in any court of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year;
(2) Is a fugitive from justice;
(3) Is an unlawful user of marijuana, or any depressant or stimulant drug, or narcotic drug (as these terms are defined in the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 802);
(4) Was adjudicated as a mental defective or was committed to a mental institution;
(5) Is an alien, other than an alien who—
(i) Is lawfully admitted for permanent residence (as that term is defined in section 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101));
(ii) Is in lawful nonimmigrant status, is a refugee admitted under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1157), or is in asylum status under section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1158), and—
(A) Is a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government, as determined by the Attorney General in consultation with the Secretary of State, entering the United States on official law enforcement business, and the shipping, transporting, possession, or receipt of explosive materials is in furtherance of this official law enforcement business;
(B) Is a person having the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a corporation, partnership, or association licensed pursuant to section 843(a), and the shipping, transporting, possession, or receipt of explosive materials is in furtherance of such power;
(C) Is a member of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or other friendly foreign military force, as determined by the Attorney General in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, (whether or not admitted in a nonimmigrant status) who is present in the United States under military orders for training or other military purpose authorized by the United States,
(D) Is lawfully present in the United States in cooperation with the Director of Central Intelligence, and the shipment, transportation, receipt, or possession of the explosive materials is in furtherance of such cooperation;
(6) Has been discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions; or
(7) Having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced citizenship.
(d) The provisions of this section do not apply to the purchase of commercially manufactured black powder in quantities not to exceed 50 pounds, intended to be used solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes in antique firearms or in antique devices, if the requirements of § 555.105(a)(7) or (b)(7) are fully met.
Each licensee and permittee shall keep records of explosive materials as required by subpart G of this part.
(a) Explosive materials imported or brought into the United States by a licensed importer or holder of a user permit may be released from customs custody to the licensed importer or holder of a user permit upon proof of his status as a licensed importer or holder of a user permit. Proof of status must be made by the licensed importer or holder of a user permit furnishing to the customs officer a certified copy of his license or permit (see § 555.103).
(b) A nonlicensee or nonpermittee may import or bring into the United States commercially manufactured black powder in quantities not to exceed 50 pounds. Upon submitting to the customs officer completed ATF F 5400.3, certifying that the black powder is intended to be used solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes in antique firearms or in antique devices, black powder may be released from customs custody. The disposition of the executed ATF F 5400.3 will be in accordance with the instructions on the form.
(c) The provisions of this section are in addition to, and are not in lieu of, any applicable requirement under 27 CFR Part 447.
(d) For additional requirements relating to the importation of plastic explosives into the United States on or after April 24, 1997, see § 555.183.
(e) For requirements relating to the marking of imported explosive materials, see § 555.109.
(a)
(b)
(i) The name of the manufacturer; and
(ii) The location, date, and shift of manufacture. Where a manufacturer operates his plant for only one shift during the day, he does not need to show the shift of manufacture.
(2)
(A) The name and address (city and state) of the importer; and
(B) The location (city and country) where the explosive materials were manufactured, date, and shift of manufacture. Where the foreign manufacturer operates his plant for only one shift during the day, he does not need to show the shift of manufacture.
(ii) Licensed importers must place the required marks on all explosive materials imported prior to distribution or shipment for use, and in no event later than 15 days after the date of release from Customs custody.
(c)
(2) The required marks prescribed in this section must be in the English language, using Roman letters and Arabic numerals.
(3) Licensed manufacturers and licensed importers must place the required marks on each cartridge, bag, or other immediate container of explosive materials that they manufacture or import, as well as on any outside container used for the packaging of such explosive materials.
(4) Licensed manufacturers and licensed importers may use any method, or combination of methods, to affix the required marks to the immediate container of explosive materials, or outside containers used for the packaging thereof, provided the identifying marks are legible, permanent, show all the required information, and are not rendered unreadable by extended periods of storage.
(5) If licensed manufacturers or licensed importers desire to use a coding system and omit printed markings on the container that show all the required information specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section, they must file with ATF a letterhead application displaying the coding that they plan to use and explaining the manner of its application. The Director must approve the application before the proposed coding can be used.
(d)
(2)
(a)
(1) Samples of such explosive materials or ammonium nitrate;
(2) Information on chemical composition of those products; and
(3) Any other information that the Director determines is relevant to the identification of the explosive materials or to identification of the ammonium nitrate.
(b)
(a)(1) Licensees and permittees shall keep records pertaining to explosive materials in permanent form (i.e., commercial invoices, record books) and in the manner required in this subpart.
(2) Licensees and permittees shall keep records required by this part on the business premises for five years from the date a transaction occurs or until discontinuance of business or operations by the licensee or permittee. (See also § 555.128 for discontinuance of business or operations.)
(b) ATF officers may enter the premises of any licensee or holder of a user permit for the purpose of examining or inspecting any record or document required by or obtained under this part (see § 555.24). Section 843(f) of the Act requires licensees and holders of user permits to make all required records available for examination or inspection at all reasonable times. Section 843(f) of the Act also requires licensees and permittees (including holders of limited permits) to submit all reports and information relating to all required records and their contents, as the regulations in this part prescribe.
(c) Each licensee and permittee shall maintain all records of importation, production, shipment, receipt, sale, or other disposition, whether temporary or permanent, of explosive materials as the regulations in this part prescribe. Sections 842(f) and 842(g) of the Act make it unlawful for any licensee or permittee knowingly to make any false entry in, or fail to make entry in, any record required to be kept under the Act and the regulations in this part.
(a) Each licensed importer shall take true and accurate physical inventories which will include all explosive materials on hand required to be accounted for in the records kept under this part. The licensed importer shall take a special inventory
(1) At the time of commencing business, which is the effective date of the license issued upon original qualification under this part;
(2) At the time of changing the location of his business to another region;
(3) At the time of discontinuing business; and
(4) At any time the regional director (compliance) may in writing require. Each special inventory is to be prepared in duplicate, the original of which is submitted to the regional director (compliance), and the duplicate retained by the licensed importer. If a special inventory specified by paragraphs (a) (1) through (4) of this section has not been taken during the calendar year, at least one physical inventory will be taken. However, the record of the yearly inventory, other than a special inventory required by paragraphs (a) (1) through (4) of this section, will remain on file for inspection instead of being sent to the regional director (compliance). (See also § 555.127.)
(b) Each licensed importer shall, not later than the close of the next business day following the date of importation or other acquisition of explosive materials, enter the following information in a separate record:
(1) Date of importation or other acquisition.
(2) Name or brand name of manufacturer and country of manufacture.
(3) Manufacturer's marks of identification.
(4) Quantity (applicable quantity units, such as pounds of explosives, number of detonators, number of display fireworks, etc.).
(5) Description (dynamite (dyn), blasting agents (ba), detonators (det), display fireworks (df), etc.) and size (length and diameter or diameter only of display fireworks).
(c) Each licensed importer shall, not later than the close of the next business day following the date of distribution of any explosive materials to another licensee or a permittee, enter in a separate record the following information:
(1) Date of disposition.
(2) Name or brand name of manufacturer and country of manufacture.
(3) Manufacturer's marks of identification.
(4) Quantity (applicable quantity units, such as pounds of explosives, number of detonators, number of display fireworks, etc.).
(5) Description (dynamite (dyn), blasting agents (ba), detonators (det), display fireworks (df), etc.) and size (length and diameter or diameter only of display fireworks).
(6) License or permit number of licensee or permittee to whom the explosive materials are distributed.
(d) The regional director (compliance) may authorize alternate records to be maintained by a licensed importer to record his distribution of explosive materials when it is shown by the licensed importer that alternate records will accurately and readily disclose the information required by paragraph (c) of this section. A licensed importer who proposes to use alternate records shall submit a letter application to the regional director (compliance) and shall describe the proposed alternate records and the need for them. Alternate records are not to be employed by the licensed importer until approval is received from the regional director (compliance).
(e) Each licensed importer shall maintain separate records of the sales or other distribution made of explosive materials to nonlicensees or nonpermittees. These records are maintained as prescribed by § 555.126.
(a) Each licensed manufacturer shall take true and accurate physical inventories which will include all explosive materials on hand required to be accounted for in the records kept under this part. The licensed manufacturer shall take a special inventory
(1) At the time of commencing business, which is the effective date of the license issued upon original qualification under this part;
(2) At the time of changing the location of his premises to another region;
(3) At the time of discontinuing business; and
(4) At any other time the regional director (compliance) may in writing require. Each special inventory is to be prepared in duplicate, the original of which is submitted to the regional director (compliance), and the duplicate retained by the licensed manufacturer. If a special inventory required by paragraphs (a) (1) through (4) of this section has not been taken during the calendar year, at least one physical inventory will be taken. However, the record of the yearly inventory, other than a special inventory required by paragraphs (a) (1) through (4) of this section, will remain on file for inspection instead of being sent to the regional director (compliance). (See also § 555.127.)
(b) Each licensed manufacturer shall not later than the close of the next business day following the date of manufacture or other acquisition of explosive materials, enter the following information in a separate record:
(1) Date of manufacture or other acquisition.
(2) Manufacturer's marks of identification.
(3) Quantity (applicable quantity units, such as pounds of explosives, number of detonators, number of display fireworks, etc.).
(4) Name, brand name or description (dynamite (dyn), blasting agents (ba), detonators (det), display fireworks (df), etc.) and size (length and diameter or diameter only of display fireworks).
(c) Each licensed manufacturer shall, not later than the close of the next business day following the date of distribution of any explosive materials to another licensee or a permittee, enter in a separate record the following information:
(1) Date of disposition.
(2) Name or brand name of manufacturer or name of importer, as applicable, if acquired other than by his own manufacture.
(3) Manufacturer's marks of identification.
(4) Quantity (applicable quantity units, such as pounds of explosives, number of detonators, number of display fireworks, etc.).
(5) Description (dynamite (dyn), blasting agents (ba), detonators (det), display fireworks (df), etc.) and size (length and diameter or diameter only of display fireworks).
(6) License or permit number of licensee or permittee to whom the explosive materials are distributed.
(d) Each licensed manufacturer who manufactures explosive materials for his own use shall, not later than the close of the next business day following the date of use, enter in a separate record the following information:
(1) Date of use.
(2) Quantity (applicable quantity units, such as pounds of explosives, number of detonators, number of special fireworks, etc.).
(3) Description (dynamite (dyn), blasting agents (ba), detonators (det), display fireworks (df), etc.) and size (length and diameter or diameter only of display fireworks).
(e) The regional director (compliance) may authorize alternate records
(f) Each licensed manufacturer shall maintain separate records of the sales or other distribution made of explosive materials to nonlicensees or nonpermittees. These records are maintained as prescribed by § 555.126.
(a) Each licensed dealer shall take true and accurate physical inventories which will include all explosive materials on hand required to be accounted for in the records kept under this part. The licensed dealer shall take a special inventory
(1) At the time of commencing business, which is the effective date of the license issued upon original qualification under this part;
(2) At the time of changing the location of his premises to another region;
(3) At the time of discontinuing business; and
(4) At any other time the regional director (compliance) may in writing require. Each special inventory is to be prepared in duplicate, the original of which is submitted to the regional director (compliance), and the duplicate retained by the licensed dealer. If a special inventory required by paragraphs (a) (1) through (4) of this section has not been taken during the calendar year, at least one physical inventory will be taken. However, the record of the yearly inventory, other than a special inventory required by paragraphs (a) (1) through (4) of this section, will remain on file for inspection instead of being sent to the regional director (compliance). (See also § 555.127.)
(b) Each licensed dealer shall, not later than the close of the next business day following the date of purchase or other acquisition of explosive materials (except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section), enter the following information in a separate record:
(1) Date of acquisition.
(2) Name or brand name of manufacturer and name of importer (if any).
(3) Manufacturer's marks of identification.
(4) Quantity (applicable quantity units, such as pounds of explosives, number of detonators, number of display fireworks, etc.).
(5) Description (dynamite (dyn), blasting agents (ba), detonators (det), display fireworks (df), etc.) and size (length and diameter or diameter only of display fireworks).
(6) Name, address, and license or permit number of the person from whom the explosive materials are received.
(c) Each licensed dealer shall, not later than the close of the next business day following the date of use (if the explosives are used by the dealer) or the date of distribution of any explosive materials to another licensee or a permittee (except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section), enter in a separate record the following information:
(1) Date of disposition.
(2) Name or brand name of manufacturer and name of importer (if any).
(3) Manufacturer's marks of identification.
(4) Quantity (applicable quantity units, such as pounds of explosives, number of detonators, number of display fireworks, etc.).
(5) Description (dynamite (dyn), blasting agents (ba), detonators (det), display fireworks (df), etc.) and size (length and diameter or diameter only of display fireworks).
(6) License or permit number of licensee or permittee to whom the explosive materials are distributed.
(d) When a commercial record is kept by a licensed dealer showing the purchase or other acquisition information required for the permanent record prescribed by paragraph (b) of this section, or showing the distribution information required for the permanent record prescribed by paragraph (c) of this section, the licensed dealer acquiring or distributing the explosive materials may, for a period not exceeding seven days following the date of acquisition of distribution of the explosive materials, delay making the required entry into the permanent record of acquisition or distribution. However, until the required entry of acquisition or disposition is made in the permanent record, the commercial record must be (1) kept by the licensed dealer separate from other commercial documents kept by the licensee, and (2) readily available for inspection on the licensed premises.
(e) The regional director (compliance) may authorize alternate records to be maintained by a licensed dealer to record his acquisition or disposition of explosive materials, when it is shown by the licensed dealer that alternate records will accurately and readily disclose the required information. A licensed dealer who proposes to use alternate records shall submit a letter application to the regional director (compliance) and shall describe the proposed alternate records and the need for them. Alternate records are not to be employed by the licensed dealer until approval is received from the regional director (compliance).
(f) Each licensed dealer shall maintain separate records of the sales or other distribution made of explosive materials to nonlicensees or nonpermittees. These records are maintained as prescribed by § 555.126.
(a)
(i) At the time of commencing business, which is the effective date of the permit issued upon original qualification under this part;
(ii) At the time of changing the location of his premises to another region;
(iii) At the time of discontinuing business; and
(iv) At any other time the regional director (compliance) may in writing require. Each special inventory is to be prepared in duplicate, the original of which is submitted to the regional director (compliance) and the duplicate retained by the permittee. If a special inventory required by paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section has not been taken during the calendar year, a permittee is required to take at least one physical inventory. However, the record of the yearly inventory, other than a special inventory required by paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section, will remain on file for inspection instead of being sent to the regional director (compliance). (
(2) Each permittee must, not later than the close of the next business day following the date of acquisition of explosive materials, enter the following information in a separate record:
(i) Date of acquisition;
(ii) Name or brand name of manufacturer;
(iii) Manufacturer's marks of identification;
(iv) Quantity (applicable quantity units, such as pounds of explosives, number of detonators, number of display fireworks, etc.);
(v) Description (dynamite (dyn), blasting agents (ba), detonators (det), display fireworks (df), etc., and size (length and diameter or diameter only of display fireworks)); and
(vi) Name, address, and license number of the persons from whom the explosive materials are received.
(3) Each permittee must, not later than the close of the next business day following the date of disposition of surplus explosive materials to another
(4) Each permittee must maintain separate records of disposition of surplus stocks of explosive materials to nonlicensees or nonpermittees as prescribed in § 555.126.
(5) The regional director (compliance) may authorize alternate records to be maintained by a permittee to record his acquisition of explosive materials, when it is shown by the permittee that alternate records will accurately and readily disclose the required information. A permittee who proposes to use alternate records must submit a letter application to the regional director (compliance) and must describe the proposed alternate records and the need for them. Alternate records are not to be employed by the permittee until approval is received from the regional director (compliance).
(b)
(i) At the time of commencing business, which is the effective date of the permit issued upon original qualification under this part;
(ii) At the time of changing the location of his premises;
(iii) At the time of discontinuing business; and
(iv) At any other time the regional director (compliance) may in writing require. Each special inventory is to be prepared in duplicate, the original of which is submitted to the regional director (compliance) and the duplicate retained by the permittee. If a special inventory required by paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section has not been taken during the calendar year, a permittee is required to take at least one physical inventory. The record of the yearly inventory, other than a special inventory required by paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section, will remain on file for inspection instead of being sent to the regional director (compliance). (
(2) Each holder of a limited permit must take true and accurate physical inventories, at least annually, that will include all explosive materials on hand required to be accounted for in the records kept under this part.
(3) Each holder of a user permit or a limited permit must, not later than the close of the next business day following the date of acquisition of explosive materials, enter the following information in a separate record:
(i) Date of acquisition;
(ii) Name or brand name of manufacturer;
(iii) Manufacturer's marks of identification;
(iv) Quantity (applicable quantity units, such as pounds of explosives, number of detonators, number of display fireworks, etc.);
(v) Description (dynamite (dyn), blasting agents (ba), detonators (det), display fireworks (df), etc., and size (length and diameter or diameter only of display fireworks)); and
(vi) Name, address, and license number of the persons from whom the explosive materials are received.
(4) Each holder of a user permit or a limited permit must, not later than the close of the next business day following the date of disposition of surplus explosive materials to another permittee or a licensee, enter in a separate record the information prescribed in § 555.124(c).
(5) When a record book is used as a permittee's permanent record the permittee may delay entry of the required information for a period not to exceed seven days if the commercial record contains all of the required information prescribed by paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) of this section. However, the commercial record may be used instead of a record book as a permanent record provided that the record contains all of the required information prescribed by paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) of this section.
(6) Each holder of a user permit or a limited permit must maintain separate records of disposition of surplus stocks of explosive materials to holders of a limited permit as prescribed in § 555.126.
(7) The regional director (compliance) may authorize alternate records to be maintained by a holder of a user permit or a limited permit to record his acquisition of explosive materials, when it is shown by the permittee that alternate records will accurately and readily disclose the required information. A permittee who proposes to use alternate records must submit a letter application to the regional director (compliance) and must describe the proposed alternate records and the need for them. Alternate records are not to be employed by the permittee until approval is received from the regional director (compliance).
(a)
(2) Before the distribution of explosive materials to a nonlicensee or nonpermittee who is a resident of the State in which the licensee or permittee maintains his business premises, or to a nonlicensee or nonpermittee who is not a resident of the State in which the licensee or permittee maintains his business premises and is acquiring explosive materials under § 555.105(a)(3), the licensee or permittee distributing the explosive materials shall obtain an executed ATF F 5400.4 from the distributee which contains all of the information required on the form and by the regulations in this part.
(3) Completed ATF F 5400.4 is to be retained by the licensee or permittee as part of his permanent records in accordance with paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
(4) Each ATF F 5400.4 is retained in numerical (by transaction serial number) order commencing with “1” and continuing in regular sequence. When the numbering of any series reaches “1,000,000,” the licensee or permittee may recommence the series. The recommenced series is to be given an alphabetical prefix or suffix. Where there is a change in proprietorship, or in the individual, firm, corporate name or trade name, the series in use at the time of the change may be continued.
(5) The requirements of this section are in addition to any other recordkeeping requirement contained in this part.
(6) A licensee or permittee may obtain, upon request, a supply of ATF F 5400.4 from the Director.
(b)
(2) Before distributing explosive materials to a limited permittee, the licensee or permittee must obtain an executed Form 5400.4 from the limited permittee with an original unaltered and unexpired Intrastate Purchase of Explosives Coupon (IPEC) affixed. Except when delivery of explosive materials is made by a common or contract carrier who is an agent of the limited permittee, the licensee, permittee, or an agent of the licensee or permittee, must verify the identity of the of the holder of the limited permit by examining an identification document (as defined in § 555.11) and noting on the Form 5400.4 the type of document presented. The licensee or permittee must complete the appropriate section on Form 5400.4 to indicate the type and quantity of explosive materials distributed, the license or permit number of the seller, and the date of the transaction. The licensee or permittee must sign and date the form and include any other information required by the instructions on the form and the regulations in this part.
(3) One copy of Form 5400.4 must be retained by the distributor as part of his permanent records in accordance with paragraph (b)(4) of this section and for the period specified in § 555.121. The distributor must mail the other copy of Form 5400.4 to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in accordance with the instructions on the form.
(4) Each Form 5400.4 must be retained in chronological order by date of disposition, or in alphabetical order by name of limited permittee. A licensee may not, however, use both methods in a single recordkeeping system. Where there is a change in proprietorship by a limited permittee, the forms may continue to be filed together after such change.
(5) The requirements of this section are in addition to any other recordkeeping requirement contained in this part.
In taking the inventory required by §§ 555.122, 555.123, 555.124, and 555.125, a licensee or permittee shall enter the inventory in a record of daily summary transactions to be kept at each magazine of an approved storage facility; however, these records may be kept at one central location on the business premises if separate records of daily transactions are kept for each magazine. Not later than the close of the next business day, each licensee and permittee shall record by manufacturer's name or brand name, the total quantity received in and removed from each magazine during the day, and the total remaining on hand at the end of the day. Quantity entries for display fireworks may be expressed as the number and size of individual display fireworks in a finished state or as the number of packaged display segments or packaged displays. Information as to the number and size of display fireworks contained in any one packaged display segment or packaged display shall be provided to any ATF officer on request. Any discrepancy which might indicate a theft or loss of explosive materials is to be reported in accordance with § 555.30.
Where an explosive materials business or operations is discontinued and succeeded by a new licensee or new permittee, the records prescribed by this subpart shall appropriately reflect such facts and shall be delivered to the successor. Where discontinuance of the business or operations is absolute, the records required by this subpart must be delivered within 30 days following the business or operations discontinuance to any ATF office located in the region in which the business was located, or to the ATF Out-of-Business Records Center, 244 Needy Road, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25405. Where State law or local ordinance requires the delivery of records to other responsible authority, the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center may arrange for the delivery of the records required by this subpart to such authority. (See also, § 555.61.)
Exportation of explosive materials is to be in accordance with the applicable provisions of section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778) and implementing regulations. However, a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer exporting explosive materials shall maintain records showing the manufacture or acquisition of explosive materials as required by this part and records showing the quantity, the manufacturer's name or brand name of explosive materials, the name and address of the foreign consignee of the explosive materials, and the date the explosive materials
(a)
(1) Any aspect of the transportation of explosive materials via railroad, water, highway, or air which is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and its agencies, and which pertains to safety. For example, regulations issued by the Department of Transportation addressing the security risk of aliens transporting explosives by commercial motor or railroad carrier from Canada preclude the enforcement of 18 U.S.C. 842(i)(5) against persons shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing explosives incident to and in connection with the commercial transportation of explosives by truck or rail from Canada into the United States. Questions concerning this exception should be directed to ATF's Public Safety Branch in Washington, DC.
(2) The use of explosive materials in medicines and medicinal agents in the forms prescribed by the official United States Pharmacopeia or the National Formulary. “The United States Pharmacopeia and The National Formulary,” USP and NF Compendia, are available from the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., 12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, Maryland 20852.
(3) The transportation, shipment, receipt, or importation of explosive materials for delivery to any agency of the United States or to any State or its political subdivision.
(4) Small arms ammunition and components of small arms ammunition.
(5) The manufacture under the regulation of the military department of the United States of explosive materials for, or their distribution to or storage or possession by, the military or naval services or other agencies of the United States.
(6) Arsenals, navy yards, depots, or other establishments owned by, or operated by or on behalf of, the United States.
(7) The importation, distribution, and storage of fireworks classified as UN0336, UN0337, UN0431, or UN0432 explosives by the U.S. Department of Transportation at 49 CFR 172.101 and generally known as “consumer fireworks” or “articles pyrotechnic.”
(8) Gasoline, fertilizers, propellant actuated devices, or propellant actuated industrial tools manufactured, imported, or distributed for their intended purposes.
(9) Industrial and laboratory chemicals which are intended for use as reagents and which are packaged and shipped pursuant to U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, 49 CFR Parts 100 to 177, which do not require explosives hazard warning labels.
(10) Model rocket motors that meet all of the following criteria—
(i) Consist of ammonium perchlorate composite propellant, black powder, or other similar low explosives;
(ii) Contain no more than 62.5 grams of total propellant weight; and
(iii) Are designed as single-use motors or as reload kits capable of reloading no more than 62.5 grams of propellant into a reusable motor casing.
(b)
(a) Any person prohibited from shipping or transporting any explosive in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or from receiving or possessing any explosive which has been shipped or transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce may make application for relief from disabilities under section 845(b) of the Act .
(b) An application for relief from disabilities must be filed with the Director by submitting ATF Form 5400.29, Application for Restoration of Explosives Privileges, in accordance with the instructions on the form. The application must be supported by appropriate data, including the information specified in paragraph (f) of this section. Upon receipt of an incomplete or improperly executed application for relief, the applicant will be notified of the deficiency in the application. If the application is not corrected and returned within 30 days following the date of notification, the application will be considered abandoned.
(c)(1) The Director may grant relief to an applicant if it is established to the satisfaction of the Director that the circumstances regarding the disability and the applicant's record and reputation are such that the applicant will not be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and that the granting of such relief is not contrary to the public interest.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the Director will not grant relief if the applicant—
(i) Has not been discharged from parole or probation for a period of at least 2 years;
(ii) Is a fugitive from justice;
(iii) Is a prohibited alien;
(iv) Is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance;
(v) Has been adjudicated a mental defective or committed to a mental institution, unless the applicant was subsequently determined by a court, board, commission, or other lawful authority to have been restored to mental competency, to be no longer suffering from a mental disorder, and to have had all rights restored; or
(vi) Is prohibited by the law of the State where the applicant resides from receiving or possessing explosive materials.
(3)(i) The Director may grant relief to aliens who have been lawfully admitted to the United States or to persons who have not been discharged from parole or probation for a period of at least 2 years if he determines that the applicant has a compelling need to possess explosives, such as for purposes of employment.
(ii) The Director may grant relief to the persons identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this section in extraordinary circumstances where the granting of such relief is consistent with the public interest.
(d) A person who has been granted relief under this section is relieved of all disabilities imposed by the Act for the disabilities disclosed in the application. The granting of relief will not affect any disabilities incurred subsequent to the date the application was filed. Relief from disabilities granted to aliens will be effective only so long as the alien retains his or her lawful immigration status.
(e)(1) A licensee or permittee who is under indictment or information for, or convicted of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year during the term of a current license or permit, or while he has pending a license or permit renewal application, shall not be barred from licensed or permit operations for 30 days after the date of indictment or information or 30 days after the date upon which his conviction becomes final. Also, if he files his application for relief under this section within such 30 day period, he may further continue licensed or permit operations while his application is pending. A licensee or permittee who does not file an application within 30 days from the date of his indictment or information, or within 30 days from the date his conviction becomes final, shall not continue licensed or permit operations beyond 30 days from the date of his indictment or information or beyond 30 days from the date his conviction becomes final.
(2) In the event the term of a license or permit of a person expires during the 30 day period following the date of indictment of information of during the 30 day period after the date upon
(3) A licensee or permittee shall not continue licensed or permit operations beyond 30 days following the date the Director issues notification that the licensee's or permittee's application for removal of the disabilities resulting from an indictment, information or conviction has been denied.
(4) When a licensee or permittee may no longer continue licensed or permit operations under this section, any application for renewal of license of permit filed by the licensee or permittee while his application for removal of disabilities resulting from an indictment, information or conviction is pending, will be denied by the regional director (compliance).
(f)(1) Applications for relief from disabilities must include the following information:
(i) In the case of a corporation, or of any person having the power to direct or control the management of the corporation, information as to the absence of culpability in the offense for which the corporation, or any such person, was indicted, formally accused or convicted;
(ii) In the case of an applicant who is an individual, two properly completed FBI Forms FD-258 (fingerprint card), and a written statement from each of three references who are not related to the applicant by blood or marriage and have known the applicant for at least 3 years, recommending the granting of relief;
(iii) Written consent to examine and obtain copies of records and to receive statements and information regarding the applicant's background, including records, statements and other information concerning employment, medical history, military service, immigration status, and criminal record;
(iv) In the case of an applicant having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, a copy of the indictment or information on which the applicant was convicted, the judgment of conviction or record of any plea of
(v) In the case of an applicant under indictment, a copy of the indictment or information;
(vi) In the case of an applicant who has been adjudicated a mental defective or committed to a mental institution, a copy of the order of a court, board, commission, or other lawful authority that made the adjudication or ordered the commitment, any petition that sought to have the applicant so adjudicated or committed, any medical records reflecting the reasons for commitment and diagnoses of the applicant, and any court order or finding of a court, board, commission, or other lawful authority showing the applicant's discharge from commitment, restoration of mental competency and the restoration of rights;
(vii) In the case of an applicant who has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions, a copy of the applicant's Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Department of Defense Form 214), Charge Sheet (Department of Defense Form 458), and final court martial order;
(viii) In the case of an applicant who, having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his or her citizenship, a copy of the formal renunciation of nationality before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in a foreign state or before an officer designated by the Attorney General when the United States was in a state of war (
(ix) In the case of an applicant who is an alien, documentation that the applicant is an alien who has been lawfully admitted to the United States; certification from the applicant including the applicant's INS-issued alien number or admission number, country/countries of citizenship, and immigration status, and certifying that the applicant is legally authorized to work in the United States, or other purposes for which possession of explosives is required;
(2) Any record or document of a court or other government entity or official required by paragraph (f)(1) of this section must be certified by the court or other government entity or official as a true copy.
Any person engaging in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in explosive materials without a license issued under the Act, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
Any person who knowingly withholds information or makes any false or fictitious oral or written statement or furnishes or exhibits any false, fictitious, or misrepresented identification, intended or likely to deceive for the purpose of obtaining explosive materials, or a license, permit, exemption, or relief from disability under the Act, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
Any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or permittee who knowingly makes any false entry in any record required to be kept under subpart G of this part, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
Any person who stores any explosive material in a manner not in conformity with this part, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(a) Any person who has knowledge of the theft or loss of any explosive materials from his stock and fails to report the theft or loss within 24 hours of discovery in accordance with § 555.30, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(b) On and after January 24, 2003, any licensee or permittee who fails to report a theft of explosive materials in accordance with § 555.30 will be fined under title 18 U.S.C., imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
Any explosive materials involved or used or intended to be used in any violation of the Act or of this part or in any violation of any criminal law of the United States are subject to seizure and forfeiture, and all provisions of title 26, U.S.C. relating to the seizure, forfeiture, and disposition of firearms, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 5845(a), will, so far as applicable, extend to seizures and forfeitures under the Act. (See § 72.27 of this title for regulations on summary destruction of explosive materials which are impracticable or unsafe to remove to a place of storage.)
(a) No person shall manufacture any plastic explosive that does not contain a detection agent.
(b) No person shall import or bring into the United States, or export from the United States, any plastic explosive that does not contain a detection agent. This paragraph does not apply to the importation or bringing into the United States, or the exportation from the United States, of any plastic explosive that was imported or brought into, or manufactured in the United States prior to April 24, 1996, by or on behalf of any agency of the United States performing military or police functions (including any military reserve component) or by or on behalf of the National Guard of any State, not later than 15 years after the date of entry into force of the Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives with respect to the United States,
(c) No person shall ship, transport, transfer, receive, or possess any plastic explosive that does not contain a detection agent. This paragraph does not apply to:
(1) The shipment, transportation, transfer, receipt, or possession of any plastic explosive that was imported or brought into, or manufactured in the United States prior to April 24, 1996, by any person during the period beginning on that date and ending on April 24, 1999; or
(2) The shipment, transportation, transfer, receipt, or possession of any plastic explosive that was imported or brought into, or manufactured in the United States prior to April 24, 1996, by or on behalf of any agency of the United States performing a military or police function (including any military reserve component) or by or on behalf of the National Guard of any State, not later than 15 years after the date of entry into force of the Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives with respect to the United States,
(d) When used in this subpart, terms are defined as follows:
(1)
(2) “Date of entry into force” of the Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives means that date on which the Convention enters into force with respect to the U.S. in accordance with the provisions of Article XIII of the Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives. The Convention entered into force on June 21, 1998.
(3)
(i) Ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN), C
(ii) 2,3-Dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane (DMNB), C
(iii) Para-Mononitrotoluene (p-MNT), C
(iv) Ortho-Mononitrotoluene (o-MNT), C
(v) Any other substance in the concentration specified by the Director, after consultation with the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense, that has been added to the table in Part 2 of the Technical Annex to the Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives.
(4)
All persons, other than an agency of the United States (including any military reserve component) or the National Guard of any State, possessing any plastic explosive on April 24, 1996, shall submit a report to the Director no later than August 22, 1996. The report shall be in writing and mailed by certified mail (return receipt requested) to the Director at P.O. Box 50204, Washington, DC 20091-0204. The report shall include the quantity of plastic explosives possessed on April 24, 1996; any marks of identification on such explosives; the name and address of the manufacturer or importer; the storage location of such explosives, including the city and State; and the name and address of the person possessing the plastic explosives.
It is an affirmative defense against any proceeding involving §§ 555.180 and 555.181 if the proponent proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the plastic explosive—
(a) Consisted of a small amount of plastic explosive intended for and utilized solely in lawful—
(1) Research, development, or testing of new or modified explosive materials;
(2) Training in explosives detection or development or testing of explosives detection equipment; or
(3) Forensic science purposes; or
(b) Was plastic explosive that, by April 24, 1999, will be or is incorporated in a military device within the territory of the United States and remains an integral part of such military device, or is intended to be, or is incorporated in, and remains an integral part of a military device that is intended to become, or has become, the property of any agency of the United States performing military or police functions (including any military reserve component) or the National Guard of any State, wherever such device is located. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “military device” includes, but is not restricted to, shells, bombs, projectiles, mines, missiles, rockets, shaped charges, grenades, perforators, and similar devices lawfully manufactured exclusively for military or police purposes.
Persons filing Form 6 applications for the importation of plastic explosives on or after April 24, 1997, shall attach to the application the following written statement, prepared in triplicate, executed under the penalties of perjury:
(a) “I declare under the penalties of perjury that the plastic explosive to be imported contains a detection agent as required by 27 CFR 555.180(b)”; or
(b) “I declare under the penalties of perjury that the plastic explosive to be imported is a “small amount” to be used for research, training, or testing purposes and is exempt from the detection agent requirement pursuant to 27 CFR 555.182.”
(a) A complete and accurate statement of process with regard to any plastic explosive or to any detection agent that is to be introduced into a plastic explosive or formulated in such plastic explosive shall be submitted by a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer, upon request, to the Director.
(b) Samples of any plastic explosive or detection agent shall be submitted by a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer, upon request, to the Director.
Any person who violates the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 842(l)-(o) shall be fined under title 18, U.S.C., imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both.
Any plastic explosive that does not contain a detection agent in violation of 18 U.S.C. 842(l)-(n) is subject to seizure and forfeiture, and all provisions of 19 U.S.C. 1595a, relating to seizure, forfeiture, and disposition of merchandise introduced or attempted to be introduced into the U.S. contrary to law, shall extend to seizures and forfeitures under this subpart. See § 72.27 of this chapter for regulations on summary destruction of plastic explosives that do not contain a detection agent.
(a) Section 842(j) of the Act and § 555.29 of this part require that the storage of explosive materials by any person must be in accordance with the regulations in this part. Further, section 846 of this Act authorizes regulations to prevent the recurrence of accidental explosions in which explosive materials were involved. The storage standards prescribed by this subpart confer no right or privileges to store explosive materials in a manner contrary to State or local law.
(b) The Director may authorize alternate construction for explosives storage magazines when it is shown that the alternate magazine construction is substantially equivalent to the standards of safety and security contained in this subpart. Any alternate explosive magazine construction approved by the Director prior to August 9, 1982, will continue as approved unless notified in writing by the Director. Any person intending to use alternate magazine construction shall submit a letter application to the regional director (compliance) for transmittal to the Director, specifically describing the proposed magazine. Explosive materials may not be stored in alternate magazines before the applicant has been notified that the application has been approved.
(c) A licensee or permittee who intends to make changes in his magazines, or who intends to construct or acquire additional magazines, shall comply with § 555.63.
(d) The regulations set forth in §§ 555.221 through 555.224 pertain to the storage of display fireworks, pyrotechnic compositions, and explosive materials used in assembling fireworks and articles pyrotechnic.
(e) The provisions of § 555.202(a) classifying flash powder and bulk salutes as high explosives are mandatory after March 7, 1990:
(f) Any person who stores explosive materials shall notify the authority having jurisdiction for fire safety in the locality in which the explosive materials are being stored of the type, magazine capacity, and location of each site where such explosive materials are stored. Such notification shall be made orally before the end of the day on which storage of the explosive materials commenced and in writing within 48 hours from the time such storage commenced.
For purposes of this part, there are three classes of explosive materials. These classes, together with the description of explosive materials comprising each class, are as follows:
(a)
(b)
(c)
For purposes of this part, there are five types of magazines. These types, together with the classes of explosive materials, as defined in § 555.202, which will be stored in them, are as follows:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Any person storing explosive materials shall inspect his magazines at least every seven days. This inspection need not be an inventory, but must be sufficient to determine whether there has been unauthorized entry or attempted entry into the magazines, or unauthorized removal of the contents of the magazines.
All explosive materials must be kept in locked magazines meeting the standards in this subpart unless they are:
(a) In the process of manufacture;
(b) Being physically handled in the operating process of a licensee or user;
(c) Being used; or
(d) Being transported to a place of storage or use by a licensee or permittee or by a person who has lawfully acquired explosive materials under § 555.106.
(a) Outdoor magazines in which high explosives are stored must be located no closer to inhabited buildings, passenger railways, public highways, or other magazines in which high explosives are stored, than the minimum distances specified in the table of distances for storage of explosive materials in § 555.218.
(b) Outdoor magazines in which low explosives are stored must be located no closer to inhibited buildings, passenger railways, public highways, or other magazines in which explosive materials are stored, than the minimum distances specified in the table of distances for storage of low explosives in § 555.219, except that the table of distances in § 555.224 shall apply to the storage of display fireworks. The distances shown in § 555.219 may not be reduced by the presence of barricades.
(c)(1) Outdoor magazines in which blasting agents in quantities of more than 50 pounds are stored must be located no closer to inhabited buildings, passenger railways, or public highways than the minimum distances specified in the table of distances for storage of explosive materials in § 555.218.
(2) Ammonium nitrate and magazines in which blasting agents are stored must be located no closer to magazines in which high explosives or other blasting agents are stored than the minimum distances specified in the table of distances for the separation of ammonium nitrate and blasting agents in § 555.220. However, the minimum distances for magazines in which explosives and blasting agents are stored from inhabited buildings, etc., may not be less than the distances specified in the table of distances for storage of explosives materials in § 555.218.
A type 1 magazine is a permanent structure: a building, an igloo or “Army-type structure”, a tunnel, or a dugout. It is to be bullet-resistant, fire-resistant, weather-resistant, theft-resistant, and ventilated.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(i) A sand tray lined with a layer of building paper, plastic, or other nonporous material, and filled with not less than four inches of coarse, dry sand, and located at the tops of inner walls covering the entire ceiling area, except that portion necessary for ventilation.
(ii) A fabricated metal roof constructed of
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(b)
A type 2 magazine is a box, trailer, semitrailer, or other mobile facility.
(a)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(b)
(2)
(i) Wood indoor magazines are to have sides, bottoms and doors constructed of at least two inches of hardwood and are to be well braced at the corners. They are to be covered with sheet metal of not less than number 26-gauge (.0179 inches). Nails exposed to the interior of magazines must be countersunk.
(ii) Metal indoor magazines are to have sides, bottoms and doors constructed of not less than number 12-gauge (.1046 inches) metal and be lined inside with a nonsparking material. Edges of metal covers must overlap sides at least one inch.
(3)
(4)
(c)
A type 3 magazine is a “day-box” or other portable magazine. It must be fire-resistant, weather-resistant, and theft-resistant. A type 3 magazine is to be constructed of not less than number 12-gauge (.1046 inches) steel, lined with at least either
A type 4 magazine is a building, igloo or “Army-type structure”, tunnel, dugout, box, trailer, or a semitrailer or other mobile magazine.
(a)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(b)
(2)
(3)
(4)
A type 5 magazine is a building, igloo or “Army-type structure”, tunnel, dugout, bin, box, trailer, or a semitrailer or other mobile facility.
(a)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(b)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Smoking, matches, open flames, and spark producing devices are not permitted:
(a) In any magazine;
(b) Within 50 feet of any outdoor magazine; or
(c) Within any room containing an indoor magazine.
(a) Explosive materials in excess of 300,000 pounds or detonators in excess of 20 million are not to be stored in one magazine unless approved by the Director.
(b) Detonators are not to be stored in the same magazine with other explosive materials, except under the following circumstances:
(1) In a type 4 magazine, detonators that will not mass detonate may be stored with electric squibs, safety fuse, shock tube, igniters, and igniter cord.
(2) In a type 1 or type 2 magazine, detonators may be stored with delay devices and any of the items listed in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(a) Explosive materials within a magazine are not to be placed directly against interior walls and must be stored so as not to interfere with ventilation. To prevent contact of stored explosive materials with walls, a nonsparking lattice work or other nonsparking material may be used.
(b) Containers of explosive materials are to be stored so that marks are visible. Stocks of explosive materials are to be stored so they can be easily counted and checked upon inspection.
(c) Except with respect to fiberboard or other nonmetal containers, containers of explosive materials are not to be unpacked or repacked inside a magazine or within 50 feet of a magazine, and must not be unpacked or repacked close to other explosive materials. Containers of explosive materials must be closed while being stored.
(d) Tools used for opening or closing containers of explosive materials are to be of nonsparking materials, except that metal slitters may be used for opening fiberboard containers. A wood wedge and a fiber, rubber, or wooden mallet are to be used for opening or closing wood containers of explosive materials. Metal tools other than nonsparking transfer conveyors are not to be stored in any magazine containing high explosives.
Magazines are to be kept clean, dry, and free of grit, paper, empty packages and containers, and rubbish. Floors are to be regularly swept. Brooms and other utensils used in the cleaning and maintenance of magazines must have no spark-producing metal parts, and may be kept in magazines. Floors stained by leakage from explosive materials are to be cleaned according to instructions of the explosives manufacturer. When any explosive material has deteriorated it is to be destroyed in accordance with the advice or instructions of the manufacturer. The area surrounding magazines is to be kept clear of rubbish, brush, dry grass, or trees (except live trees more than 10 feet tall), for not less than 25 feet in all directions. Volatile materials are to be kept a distance of not less than 50 feet from outdoor magazines. Living foliage which is used to stabilize the earthen covering of a magazine need not be removed.
Before repairing the interior of magazines, all explosive materials are to be removed and the interior cleaned. Before repairing the exterior of magazines, all explosive materials must be removed if there exists any possibility that repairs may produce sparks or flame. Explosive materials removed from magazines under repair must be (a) placed in other magazines appropriate for the storage of those explosive materials under this subpart, or (b) placed a safe distance from the magazines under repair where they are to be properly guarded and protected until the repairs have been completed.
(a) Battery-activated safety lights or battery-activated safety lanterns may be used in explosives storage magazines.
(b) Electric lighting used in any explosives storage magazine must meet the standards prescribed by the “National Electrical Code,” (National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 70-81), for the conditions present in the magazine at any time. All electrical switches are to be located outside of the magazine and also meet the standards prescribed by the National Electrical Code.
(c) Copies of invoices, work orders or similar documents which indicate the lighting complies with the National
(1) Terms found in the table of distances for storage of explosive materials are defined in § 555.11.
(2) When two or more storage magazines are located on the same property, each magazine must comply with the minimum distances specified from inhabited buildings, railways, and highways, and, in addition, they should be separated from each other by not less than the distances shown for “Separation of Magazines,” except that the quantity of explosives contained in cap magazines shall govern in regard to the spacing of said cap magazines from magazines containing other explosives. If any two or more magazines are separated from each other by less than the specified “Separation of Magazines” distances, then such two or more magazines, as a group, must be considered as one magazine, and the total quantity of explosives stored in such group must be treated as if stored in a single magazine located on the site of any magazine of the group, and must comply with the minimum of distances specified from other magazines, inhabited buildings, railways, and highways.
(3) All types of blasting caps in strengths through No. 8 cap should be rated at 1
(4) For quantity and distance purposes, detonating cord of 50 or 60 grains per foot should be calculated as equivalent to 9 lbs. of high explosives per 1,000 feet. Heavier or lighter core loads should be rated proportionately.
(1) This table specifies separation distances to prevent explosion of ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate-based blasting agents by propagation from nearby stores of high explosives or blasting agents referred to in the table as the “donor.” Ammonium nitrate, by itself, is not considered to be a donor when applying this table. Ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate-fuel oil or combinations thereof are acceptors. If stores of ammonium nitrate are located within the sympathetic detonation distance of explosives or blasting agents, one-half the mass of the ammonium nitrate is to be included in the mass of the donor.
(2) When the ammonium nitrate and/or blasting agent is not barricaded, the distances shown in the table must be multiplied by six. These distances allow for the possibility of high velocity metal fragments from mixers, hoppers, truck bodies, sheet metal structures, metal containers, and the like which may enclose the “donor.” Where explosives storage is in bullet-resistant magazines or where the storage is protected by a bullet-resistant wall, distances and barricade thicknesses in excess of those prescribed in the table in § 555.218 are not required.
(3) These distances apply to ammonium nitrate that passes the insensitivity test prescribed in the definition of ammonium nitrate fertilizer issued by the Fertilizer Institute.
(4) These distances apply to blasting agents which pass the insensitivity test prescribed in regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (49 CFR part 173).
(5) Earth or sand dikes, or enclosures filled with the prescribed minimum thickness of earth or sand are acceptable artificial barricades. Natural barricades, such as hills or timber of sufficient density that the surrounding exposures which require protection cannot be seen from the “donor” when the trees are bare of leaves, are also acceptable.
(6) For determining the distances to be maintained from inhabited buildings, passenger railways, and public highways, use the table in § 555.218.
(a) Display fireworks, pyrotechnic compositions, and explosive materials used to assemble fireworks and articles pyrotechnic shall be stored at all times as required by this Subpart unless they are in the process of manufacture, assembly, packaging, or are being transported.
(b) No more than 500 pounds (227 kg) of pyrotechnic compositions or explosive materials are permitted at one time in any fireworks mixing building, any building or area in which the pyrotechnic compositions or explosive materials are pressed or otherwise prepared for finishing or assembly, or any finishing or assembly building. All pyrotechnic compositions or explosive materials not in immediate use will be stored in covered, non-ferrous containers.
(c) The maximum quantity of flash powder permitted in any fireworks process building is 10 pounds (4.5 kg).
(d) All dry explosive powders and mixtures, partially assembled display fireworks, and finished display fireworks shall be removed from fireworks process buildings at the conclusion of a day's operations and placed in approved magazines.
18 U.S.C. 2341-2346, unless otherwise noted.
Nomenclature changes to part 646 appear by T.D. ATF-487, 68 FR 4753, Jan. 24, 2003.
The regulations in this subpart relate to the distribution of cigarettes in excess of 60,000 in a single transaction.
The provisions of the regulations in this part apply in the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
When used in this part, terms are defined as follows in this section. Words in the plural shall include the singular, and vice versa. Words indicating the masculine gender shall include the feminine. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude other things not named which are in the same general class or are otherwise within the scope of the term defined.
(a) The cigarettes bear no evidence of the payment of applicable State cigarette taxes in the State where the cigarettes are found;
(b) The State in which the cigarettes are found requires a stamp, impression, or other indication to be placed on packages or other containers of cigarettes to evidence payment of cigarette taxes; and
(c) The cigarettes are in the possession of any person other than an exempted person.
(a) Holding a permit issued pursuant to Chapter 52 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as a manufacturer of tobacco products or as an export warehouse proprietor;
(b) Operating a customs bonded warehouse pursuant to section 311 or 555 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1311 or 1555);
(c) An agent of a tobacco products manufacturer, an export warehouse proprietor, or an operator of a customs bonded warehouse;
(d) A common or contract carrier transporting the cigarettes involved under a proper bill of lading or freight bill which states the quantity, source, and destination of the cigarettes;
(e) Licensed or otherwise authorized by the State, in which he possesses cigarettes, to account for and pay cigarette taxes imposed by that State; and who has complied with the accounting and payment requirements relating to his license or authorization with respect to the cigarettes involved; or
(f) An agent of the United States, of an individual State, or of a political subdivision of a State and having possession of cigarettes in connection with the performance of official duties.
(g) Operating within a foreign-trade zone established under 19 U.S.C., section 81b, when the cigarettes involved have been entered into the zone under zone-restricted status or, in respect to foreign cigarettes, have been admitted into the zone but have not been entered in the United States.
Each distributor of cigarettes shall keep copies of invoices, bills of lading, or other suitable commercial records relating to each disposition of more than 60,000 cigarettes. Dividing a single agreement for the disposition of more than 60,000 cigarettes into the delivery of smaller components of 60,000 cigarettes or less does not exempt the distributor from the recordkeeping requirements of this part. The distributor shall include the information prescribed in § 646.147 in his commercial records of disposition.
(a)
(1) For each disposition of more than 60,000 cigarettes to an exempted person; or for each disposition of more than 60,000 cigarettes to a person who is not an exempted person and which is delivered by the distributor to the recipient's place of business, the distributor shall show on dated records—
(i) The full name of the purchaser (or the recipient if there is no purchaser);
(ii) The street address (including city and state) to which the cigarettes are destined; and
(iii) The quantity of cigarettes disposed of.
(2) For each disposition of more than 60,000 cigarettes, other than the dispositions specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the distributor shall show on dated records—
(i) The full name of the purchaser (if any);
(ii) The name, address (including city and state), and signature of the person receiving the cigarettes;
(iii) The street address (including city and state) to which the cigarettes are destined;
(iv) The quantity of cigarettes disposed of;
(v) The driver's license number of the individual receiving the cigarettes;
(vi) The license number of the vehicle in which the cigarettes are removed from the distributor's business premises;
(vii) A declaration by the individual receiving the cigarettes of the specific purpose of receipt (such as personal use, resale, delivery to another person, etc.); and
(viii) A declaration by the person receiving the cigarettes of the name and address of his principal when he is acting as an agent.
(b)
(a)
(b)
(1) The distributor requesting the shorter retention period is an agent of a tobacco products manufacturer;
(2) The tobacco products manufacturer will keep the required record for each disposition of more than 60,000 cigarettes from the agent's premises for the full retention period specified in paragraph (a) of this section; and
(3) The approval of a shorter retention period will not unduly hinder the administration of enforcement of this subpart.
(c)
Any appropriate ATF officer may enter the business premises of any distributor of cigarettes to inspect the records required by §§ 646.146 through 646.147 or to inspect any cigarettes stored on the premises—
(a) Pursuant to duly issued search warrant or an administrative inspection warrant; or
(b) Upon the consent of the distributor to enter his premises.
(a) Any person who knowingly ships, transports, receives, possesses, sells, distributes, or purchases contraband cigarettes shall be fined not more than $100,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
(b) Any person who knowingly violates any regulation contained in this part or makes any false statement or misrepresentation with respect to the information required to be recorded by this part shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
(a) Any contraband cigarettes involved in any violation of the provisions of 18 U.S.C. chapter 114 shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture. All provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (title 26 U.S.C.) relating to the seizure, forfeiture, and disposition of firearms, as defined in section 5845(a) of that Code, shall, so far as applicable, extend to seizures and forfeitures of contraband cigarettes under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. chapter 114.
(b) Any vessel, vehicle or aircraft used to transport, carry, convey, or conceal or possess any contraband cigarettes with respect to which there has been committed any violation of any provision of 18 U.S.C. chapter 114 or the regulations in this subpart shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture under the Customs laws, as provided by the Act of August 9, 1939 (49 U.S.C. 781-788).
A list of CFR titles, subtitles, chapters, subchapters and parts and an alphabetical list of agencies publishing in the CFR are included in the CFR Index and Finding Aids volume to the Code of Federal Regulations which is published separately and revised annually.
Table of CFR Titles and Chapters
Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR
List of CFR Sections Affected
All changes in this volume of the Code of Federal Regulations that were made by documents published in the
For the period before January 1, 2001, see the “List of CFR Sections Affected, 1949-1963, 1964-1972, 1973-1985, and 1986-2000” published in 11 separate volumes.